New legislation surrounding medical assistance in dying (MAID) has received Royal Assent and become law in Canada.
The new law removes the requirement for a person’s natural death to be reasonably foreseeable in order to be eligible.
People suffering solely from mental illness will have to wait two years while an expert review makes recommendations on protocols, guidance and safeguards.
“It is a significant, but measured step to addressing access to MAID in Canada. I believe this new law offers an approach to medical assistance in dying that will best serve the interests of all Canadians,” Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a news release.
A parliamentary review will begin in the next 30 days to explore outstanding issues such as the eligibility of mature minors, advance requests, mental illness, palliative care and the protection of Canadians living with disabilities.
The new bill also eases some of the rules that were in place for people whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable.
Those near their natural end of life and who have a set date to receive medical assistance in dying can waive final consent if they are at risk of losing capacity in the interim.
