- The Iona Institute - https://ionainstitute.ie -

Over 60pc of Canadians fear lack of care may ‘force’ people to euthanasia

A lack of care and support might leave some vulnerable people feeling they have no choice but to accept euthanasia [1], according to a recent survey in Canada.

62pc of respondents said that “financially or socially vulnerable people” might consider euthanasia “because they can’t access adequate, quality care.” That finding comes from a survey by the Angus Reid Institute in partnership with the Cardus think-tank.

The same survey reveals that health care access can be especially difficult for Canadians with disabilities. Fully 57pc of respondents with severe disabilities say they’ve faced discrimination in healthcare because of their impairments or limitations. Almost half of those with moderate disabilities say the same. These experiences include worse access and quality of care, as well as difficulty finding a primary care doctor, inaccessible treatment or testing locations.

Those living with severe disabilities also report the strongest concerns with those who might opt for medical assistance in dying, or MAiD [Medical Assistance in Dying], due to issues with care, compared to those without disabilities.