Canada’s planned expansion of medical assistance in dying to include individuals with mental illness—set to take effect in March 2027—has been indefinitely postponed. The federal government announced the delay, citing the need for further review and consultation amid ongoing ethical and legal debates. Advocates and critics alike have raised concerns about safeguards, eligibility criteria, and the potential impact on vulnerable populations. The pause follows years of discussion on balancing autonomy with protection for those facing severe psychological distress.
People with mental illness alone were to be eligible for assisted dying in Canada in March 2027, but that has now been paused indefinitely.
