The rate of assisted dying in Canada has risen for the fifth consecutive year, though at a slower pace than in previous years.
Health Canada released its fifth annual report since the country legalised assisted dying in 2016, which for the first time included data on the ethnicity of those seeking euthanasia.
In 2023, approximately 15,300 people underwent assisted dying, representing 4.7% of all deaths in Canada. Lawmakers are currently working on plans to broaden access to include individuals with mental illnesses by 2027.
The number of assisted deaths in 2023 grew by nearly 16%, a significant decrease compared to the average annual increase of 31% seen in earlier years. Officials noted it was too early to determine the cause of this slowdown.
The vast majority of those seeking euthanasia- around 96% – had a foreseeable natural death. The remaining 4% qualified due to long-term chronic illnesses where death was not imminent. The average age of recipients was 77, with cancer being the most common underlying condition.
For the first time, data on race and ethnicity was included in the report. About 96% of those who opted for assisted dying identified as white, a stark contrast to their representation as 70% of Canada’s population.
East Asians were the second most-reported group, accounting for 1.8% of assisted deaths, while making up 5.7% of the population. The reasons behind these disparities remain unclear.
Geographically, Quebec had the highest rate of assisted dying, comprising nearly 37% of all cases despite housing only 22% of Canada’s population. The province’s government has launched a study to investigate the underlying causes of its high euthanasia rate.
Although the number of assisted deaths in Canada is growing, the country lags behind the Netherlands, where euthanasia accounted for 5% of deaths last year.
While the UK recently voted to advance legislation for assisted dying for terminally ill adults, Canadian policies have been cited by some British MPs as a warning due to perceived insufficient safeguards.
The report sparked debate after cases emerged of individuals receiving euthanasia under contentious circumstances.
In the BBC, one example involved a woman in her 50s with depression and severe sensitivity to chemicals. Her request for euthanasia was approved after she failed to secure suitable housing.
Reports also highlighted individuals with disabilities considering assisted dying due to insufficient housing or disability benefits.
