The government of Canada is currently deciding whether to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to people whose only reason is a ‘mental illness’.

This expansion would have serious consequences for Autistic Canadians.

Autistic people face extensive barriers to accessing adequate health care, housing, employment, and other supports, and experience a much higher risk of depression and suicide.

A decision is expected by March 2027.

Your voice matters now.

Why this matters

Approving MAiD for mental illness before taking meaningful action to improve the quality of life for Autistic Canadians raises serious human rights concerns.

We stand with the United Nations Committee’s recommendation that Canada should permanently exclude mental illness as a sole criterion for MAiD. 

Instead, Canada must prioritize the supports Autistic and other disabled Canadians need to live full and healthy lives, through work such as delivering on implementing Canada’s Autism Strategy.

See our full statement here.

What you can do in 10 minutes 

Why it matters now: Early input has the greatest influence on committee recommendations

Step 1. Email federal committee

Send a short message to the Committee Clerks at: AMAD@parl.gc.ca

What to say:

Example email subject line: MAiD Eligibility Should NOT Include Mental Illness

Example email text (you can copy and paste the following or add more to it):

I am writing as a member of the autism community to express concern about the proposal to expand Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) to people whose sole underlying condition is ‘mental illness’.

In March 2025, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recommended that Canada repeal provisions that allow persons with disabilities who are not at the endat end of life to access MAiD. This includes those experiencing mental health challenges.

Research indicates that approximately 40 to 70 percent of autistic people experience significant mental health challenges during their lifetime, including depression and anxiety. Autistic people face significant barriers to accessing adequate health care, mental health supports, housing, employment, and more.

Expanding MAiD before these supports are in place could result in the loss of lives that could be saved through targeted actions that improve quality of life for Autistic people.

I urge the Committee to permanently exclude mental illness as a sole underlying condition for MAiD eligibility.

Note: Replace “a member of the autism community” with a more personal statement to make your letter more impactful (i.e. “as an Autistic person”, “as a parent of an Autistic person”, etc.)

Step 2. Email your Member of Parliament

Send the same message to your local Member of Parliament (MP). You can find your MP and their contact information using your postal code here.

Add this line:

I also encourage you to support Bill C-218 (the Right to Recover Act) to permanently exclude mental illness as a sole ground for MAiD eligibility.

Note: Make sure you tell your MP that you are their constituent and include your postal code in your email. They receive a lot of messages everyday, and prioritize the ones that come from the people they represent (like you). You can also send them a letter in the mail and/or call their office to ensure they hear your concerns.

Step 3. Share with your network

Forward this email to:

• colleagues
  
• community organizations
  
• family members and friends
  

The more people who write, the harder this message will be to ignore.

Why urgent action matters

The committee is just beginning its work. Positions have not yet been finalized, this is when public input has the greatest impact. This is about ensuring people are supported to live, not pushed toward end-of-life decisions due to lack of care.