Thank you, Madam Chair.
My first question is for Mr. Krausert.
I must have read this report ten times or so and I think I will read it again.
You raised a lot of questions that were also on my mind.
Recommendation 8 refers to the consistency, durability and well-considered nature of a MAID request. It says:
Assessors should ensure that the requester's wish for death is consistent […], unambiguous and rationally considered during a period of stability, not during a period of crisis.
I am glad you are still with us, but from my understanding of the report, even if you had made a request, you would not have been eligible for MAID when you were at your lowest point.
Clarification is provided a bit further on that helped me understand which people were being referred to. One case is mentioned. I will read out an excerpt and you can tell me whether you think this woman should be eligible for MAID:
C. is a 70‑year‑old woman with severe major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed at age 18. She has expressed a desire to die since she was 20 years old and has made approximately 30 suicide attempts during her life, many of which were severe enough to require medical hospitalization. She is unable to work and does not wish to have any social relationships because of her mental state. She has requested MAID because the symptoms of her disorders have been refractory to over 35 recognized psychosocial interventions and somatic (medication and neuromodulatory) treatments and she does not want to try any more. She has no plan to attempt suicide at present.
In your opinion and based on your experience, should this lady have access to MAID following a rigorous evaluation process?