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The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced legislation designed to provide safeguards around medical euthanasia in the province.
The government said its Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act would prohibit access to euthanasia for anyone under 18, anyone whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness and those who lack the capacity to make their own decisions about their care.
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The government said the proposed law also strengthens the protections for health-care providers who choose not to participate in the act.
“Saskatchewan’s priority is protecting patients while maintaining a safe, responsible, and compassionate health care system,” Jeremy Cockrill, Saskatchewan’s health minister, said in a statement.
“This legislation establishes additional safeguards, particularly around young people, mental illness, and capacity, and strengthens protections for health care professionals who choose not to participate in MAID.”
On Oct. 27, the federal government tabled Bill C-41, an amendment to the Criminal Code that would allow advance requests for euthanasia for those suffering from an illness that may take away their capacity to consent at a later date. The bill would also halt a planned expansion of the program that would offer death to those suffering only from a mental illness.
While euthanasia – commonly referred to as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) – is governed by the federal government through the Criminal Code, the Saskatchewan government noted that provinces are responsible for the delivery of health care and have the authority to establish additional safeguards through provincial health systems.
“The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act will help ensure that vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care, treatment and supports while maintaining a safe and responsible MAID program,” the government added.
