Alberta considers changes to eligibility for medical assistance in dying
An Alberta government bill proposes to tighten access to medical assistance in dying (MAID) by introducing stricter eligibility limits than those set out in federal law, prompting debate over provincial authority and patient rights. The legislation would restrict MAID primarily to individuals whose death is reasonably foreseeable—such as within about a year—and would exclude certain groups, including those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. Supporters argue the changes are intended to better protect vulnerable people and ensure safeguards are robust, while critics, including medical professionals and legal experts, question whether the province has the authority to impose rules that are more restrictive than federal legislation and warn the move could limit access for eligible patients. The proposal highlights ongoing tensions in Canada over how MAID should be regulated and the balance between access, oversight and ethical considerations.