Assisted suicide numbers grow by 30+% in Canada
Assisted SuicideThese latest figures from Canada are a warning to MPs and Peers at Westminster about the likely consequences of legalising assisted suicide.
The number of people choosing an assisted suicide in Canada rose by 34% between 2019 and 2020, according to the latest official figures.
In 2020 there were 7,595 cases of assisted suicide reported in Canada, accounting for 2.5% of all deaths.
This represents a growth of 34.3% over 2019 and, according to the report, all provinces experienced a steady year-on-year growth.
Average age for assisted suicide in 2020 was 75.3 years and cancer was the most commonly cited underlying medical condition.
Canada following familiar pattern
The latest data from Canada is in line with official records from other countries where assisted suicide is legal.
In Belgium, the numbers have increased nearly every year since euthanasia was first legalised there.
The same pattern has occurred in Oregon, the Netherlands, Switzerland and other nations that allow assisted suicide to take place.
Lawmakers in Canada recently approved a new piece of legislation which expanded assisted suicide laws, striking down a safeguard in the original law after the Superior Court of Quebec ruled it interfered with human rights.
Warning for the UK
Commenting on the latest figures, Chief Communications Officer at CARE, James Mildred, said:
“These latest figures from Canada are a warning to MPs and Peers at Westminster about the likely consequences of legalising assisted suicide.
“Canada is following an all too familiar pattern. Once you open the door to assisted suicide, it’s not long before safeguards are eroded, expansion then follows, and the numbers go up.
“It’s vital we take note of the evidence and listen to the voices of those living with disabilities who fear assisted suicide could put them under intense pressure.
“This remains the fundamental problem with assisted suicide legislation: there is no way any such law could be completely safe from abuse or exploitation.”
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Assisted suicide numbers grow by 30+% in Canada