Key facts
- Canada to introduce bill allowing advance euthanasia requests.
- Legislation permits adults to consent to euthanasia for a future date if they lose decision-making capacity.
- Safeguards will ensure decisions are voluntary and free from external pressure.
- Intolerable suffering will be required at the time of death for advance requests.
- Quebec already allows advance euthanasia requests.
The Canadian government is set to introduce a bill that would permit adults to make advance requests for euthanasia, to be honored if they later lose the mental capacity to decide due to an incurable illness. Justice Minister Sean Fraser emphasized that the legislation will incorporate robust safeguards to ensure that such decisions are voluntary and free from coercion. The government stated that making an advance request will not guarantee euthanasia, and individuals must be experiencing intolerable suffering at the time of death. Canada first legalized euthanasia in 2016 and expanded the law in 2021. Provinces and territories will have the option to implement the advance request system, with Quebec already permitting it.