These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Dying With Dignity Canada in January 2023 regarding support for medical assistance in dying for a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder for which a person experiences intolerable suffering.

The poll was conducted from January 19 to January 24, 2023, before the Government announced on February 2 its intention to delay MAID for mental disorders by one year.

Background

In 2021, the federal government expanded access to medical assistance in dying (MAID) for adults to include those with a physical illness but whose death was not reasonably foreseeable. Recently, the government has now included those with a grievous and irremediable mental disorder and whose suffering is intolerable. However, It has been suggested by some that only patients experiencing physical illnesses and conditions should be extended the option of MAID and that those solely with a mental disorder should not be able to access medical assistance in dying.

Thus, the objective of this poll was to understand the degree to which Canadians agree or disagree with the idea that an adult with the capacity to provide informed consent should be able to seek an assessment for medical assistance in dying for a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder for which they experience intolerable suffering.

Key findings

A strong majority (82%) of Canadians agree that with the appropriate safeguards in place, an adult with the capacity to provide informed consent should be able to seek an assessment for medical assistance in dying for a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder for which they experience intolerable suffering.

Data and a breakdown of poll results

Dying With Dignity Canada is the national human-rights charity committed to improving quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping Canadians avoid unwanted suffering.