As Christians, we are called to care for the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every life. If no action is taken before March 17, 2027, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) will be expanded to include individuals whose only medical condition is mental health-related. Suicidal thinking can be a symptom for those living with mental illness. When patients share their desire to die, it’s time to use suicide prevention strategies.
However, the NS medical regulator requires physicians to offer euthanasia to patients as one of their potential medical treatments without patients requesting that information and, if the patient requests it, sign referral forms so their patients can get euthanasia. Imagine the dilemma of the Christian physician who is forced to help the patient access euthanasia rather than treating them.
We invite parishioners to write to the Honourable Brian Comer, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to ask for stronger protections, improved mental health supports, and changes to physician legal requirements.
