‘A hell of a choice’: Patients left frustrated amid delays to access assisted dying
John Scully has been living with a major depressive disorder diagnosis for four decades, and despite trying nearly every treatment known to medicine, from shock therapy to trans-magnetic stimulation, his condition has not improved.
The Liberal government’s decision to expand medical assistance in dying to people with mental illness as a sole underlying condition has sparked a wide range of reaction in Canada, which is set to join just a few countries in Europe in granting access for this reason. Supporters argue the move will give autonomy and dignity to people who have exhausted all other treatment options, and that not doing so would violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by discriminating against those a disability.
Scully described his condition as “non-stop, incessant, incurable,” and his life as “joyless” due to severe mental illness. He said he feels as though the government has backed him into a corner.Dr. Chantal Perrot, a family physician who does assessments and delivers medically assisted deaths, says it’s “awful for patients to be in a position of thinking that they have a choice between continuing to suffer in a major way versus taking their own lives.
“It’s difficult telling people that they have to wait yet another year,” she said, in the case of those whose irremediable condition is a mental illness. Many other patients are frustrated because of eligibility concerns that go beyond the current framework.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘I want to shine a light’: Brain-injured B.C. man advocating to change lives - Terrace StandardDuncan’s Kyle Mockford finally bouncing back after assault 10 years ago, lobbying for change
Read more »
B.C. farmer comes out of his shell to sell vending machine eggs - Terrace StandardVancouver Islands’ Doug Groenendijk says timing right to get cracking with a new venture
Read more »
Secrets and Lives with David Warburton - Terrace StandardPort Theatre’s executive director showcases emerging and innovative talent
Read more »
Prince Prupert Residential neighbourhood feels impact of impaired driver - Terrace StandardA residential neighbourhood in Prince Rupert felt the impact of an impaired driver crashing his vehicle during the early morning hours of April 5, resulting in significant property damage.
Read more »
Kelowna paraclimber training and fundraising to become worlds best - Terrace StandardShamus Boulianne is training in Kelowna to represent Canada on the world stage
Read more »
From green runs to steep runs: How visually impaired skiers get their turns - Terrace StandardBraille Mountain Initiative and BC Adaptive Snowsports want more visually impaired skiers on slopes
Read more »