Canada’s Liberal government has introduced legislation that would allow doctors to euthanize unwitting dementia patients.
The bill, introduced Tuesday, would allow Canadians to request euthanasia in advance, meaning doctors could carry out the procedure after a patient becomes incapable of providing informed consent.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the legislation would ensure that people diagnosed with incurable illnesses could have their wishes respected even if their condition deteriorates.
He insisted that the government would introduce safeguards to prevent patients from being pressured into ending their lives.
The proposal marks another expansion of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, which allows the euthanasia of vulnerable and seriously ill patients.
