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Bill C-314

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

October 18, 2023

Bill C-314 is an amendment to the Criminal Code in Canada. It states that a mental disorder cannot be considered a grievous and irremediable medical condition for which a person can receive medical assistance in dying. The purpose of this amendment is to prioritize the mental health of Canadians and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive suicide prevention counseling instead of accessing medical assistance in dying. The bill aims to prevent the normalization of assisted dying as a solution for those suffering from mental disorders.

Steelman Argument: One possible steelman argument in favor of this amendment is that it addresses concerns about the normalization of assisted dying for individuals with mental disorders. Parliament may argue that the availability of medical assistance in dying could create a perception that it is an acceptable solution for those suffering from mental health issues. By excluding mental disorders as qualifying conditions for medical assistance in dying, Parliament aims to emphasize the importance of suicide prevention counseling and other forms of mental health support. This approach prioritizes the well-being and protection of vulnerable Canadians by directing resources towards mental health services rather than offering assisted dying as an option. Furthermore, by distinguishing mental disorders from conditions that are both grievous and irremediable, Parliament ensures that medical assistance in dying remains focused on cases where t

Steelman argument opposing Bill C-314: This bill is problematic because it fails to recognize that individuals suffering from mental disorders can experience extreme and unbearable suffering, which may make them eligible for medical assistance in dying. By excluding mental disorders as a grievous and irremediable medical condition, the bill denies these individuals the autonomy to make decisions about their own lives and to seek relief from their suffering. Moreover, this bill overlooks the fact that mental disorders can be just as debilitating and irreversible as physical conditions. Mental illnesses such as severe depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder can cause profound and unmanageable distress, leading to a diminished quality of life. By excluding mental disorders, the bill perpetuates the stigma surrounding mental health and discriminates against individuals with these conditions. Furthermore, the bill fa