It is too early to take stock of the situation or obtain relevant documentation on medical assistance in dying.
That said, we are extremely worried about this. When that legislation was developed, a few years ago now, we participated in the consultations of the parliamentary committee of the Quebec National Assembly to share our concerns with regard to a potential shift in the social acceptability of suicide.
A person at the end of their life feels, rightly or wrongly, that their life is no longer worth living; that is their decision. That is why they want to request medical assistance in dying, resulting in their death. Even in a medical context, we understand why people would want to use that measure.
Our concerns had to do with a way to provide a vulnerable individual who is not doing well—who feels that their suffering is intolerable, who is depressive and suicidal—the same care they should have the right to, without legitimizing a request for medical assistance in dying in a context where it would legally not apply.
We are extremely worried by that. At this time, it is too early to gauge the concrete and documented effects of medical assistance in dying.