A pamphlet warning against plans to expand medical assistance in dying (MAiD) to children and people with a mental illness is circulating on social media. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) created the document as part of its "Before it's too late" campaign.The Euthanasia in Canada pamphlet urges Canadians to oppose upcoming changes to MAiD laws. .The EFC says it wants the government to reverse plans allowing MAiD solely for mental illness. It also strongly objects to possible MAiD access for "mature minors."Mature minors are children or teens judged capable of making serious medical decisions. A 2023 parliamentary report comprised of MPs and Senators recommended studying MAiD for mature minors. .The EFC pamphlet states this could remove age limits for assisted death. It also notes the report suggested parents might not need to consent to their children taking their own lives."The committee also suggested parents may not be consulted and wouldn't need to consent to their child's death via MAiD," said the pamphlet. "Children are uniquely vulnerable. Canada's first priority must be to provide high quality medical care for children."The pamphlet also focuses on MAiD for mental illness, set to start in March 2027. It argues that feeling hopeless or wanting to die can be symptoms of mental illness itself. .The EFC points to long waits and high costs for mental health treatment as a major problem."One in 10 people will wait more than four months for counselling. The waiting period for MAiD is only three months," said the pamphlet. "We are already hearing about people asking for MAiD because they do not have the support needed to live."EFC President David Guretzki said the group is calling for action. “Now we are approaching an even more dangerous path, one that would make us the most permissive society in the world when it comes to death for our own citizens,” said Guretzki in a statement.“For someone suffering from a mental illness to have euthanasia readily available is unacceptable. It’s time for the Church to speak again.”.The pamphlet claims vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, sometimes feel pressured to choose MAiD because they lack proper care. It calls for more "MAiD-free" spaces where patients are not asked about assisted death. It also insists doctors should never suggest MAiD to patients.The EFC urges people to contact their local Member of Parliament (MP) to object to the possible MAiD changes.The "Before it's too late" campaign includes online resources and prayers. The EFC says it has consistently argued for stronger safeguards and better support services since MAiD became legal. The EFC speaks on social issues on behalf of Canadian evangelicals.
