August 13, 2022
The federal report shows that 3.3% of all deaths in Canada in 2021 were assisted deaths. On a provincial level, the rate was higher in Que., at 4.7% and B.C., at 4.8%. Canadians are growing more comfortable with MAID and some advocates expect the rising rates may level off. Among the findings:
- More men (52%) than women (47%) received MAID;
- The average age was 76.3 years;
- Sixty-five percent of those provided with assisted death had cancer. Heart disease or strokes were cited in 19% of cases, followed by chronic lung diseases (12%) and neurological conditions like ALS (12%); and
- More MAID requests were received from the individual directly in P.E.I., (82%), Sask. (75%), and N.B. (49%).
Four percent of people who made written applications for medical assistance were rejected, mostly because patients were deemed not mentally capable of making the decision.
Related:
Troisième rapport annuel sur l’aide médicale à mourir au Canada 2021 - Gouvernement du Canada