The Conservative Party is calling for an investigation into allegations that Veterans Administration (VAC) officials referred veterans seeking medical assistance for injuries to medical assistance in the end of life (MAID).
Caputo noted that the VAC is not mandated to recommend assisted death as a medical option for veterans, and that in this situation the anonymous veterans “feel betrayed and disgusted with the offer.” I said.
The allegations were first made public this week after an unnamed veteran said he had sought treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and brain damage. global news A VAC worker “nonchalantly” offered him MAID.
The veteran never expressed a desire to undergo MAID and said the unsolicited medical advice affected his mental health.
VAC response
In an emailed statement to the Epoch Times, the VAC said it “deeply regrets what happened” and immediately apologized to the veterans upon becoming aware of the incident.
“It is not the VAC service to provide end-of-life medical assistance advice,” read the August 17 statement, noting that VAC “has no obligation or role to recommend end-of-life medical assistance to its veteran clients.” added.
Canadian assisted death law It states that in order to receive MAID, a patient must show interest in the service without prompting or coercing it from a healthcare provider. Among the criteria, the patient is in “intolerable physical or mental distress” that cannot be cured in a manner the patient deems acceptable and is “in a state of irreversible and highly debilitating degeneration.” There is also a need.
Euthanasia was first legalized in Canada in 2016 and was intended for adults over the age of 18 who are suffering from a terminal illness and have no cure.
Legislators then expanded eligibility for MAID to include those suffering from “serious illness” other than mental illness, in an irreversible “advanced declining state”, and in “unbearable” physical or mental distress. Tried to include individuals with experience.
of law Changed in March 2023, individuals with mental illness only will be able to receive and voluntarily request MAID if they are 18 years of age or older.
The Conservative Party has criticized the expanded law, along with MPs and the Justice Minister, since it was passed in spring 2021. Rob Moore He said liberals “did not listen to mental health advocates” before amending the law.
2017 VAC report Veterans were found to be almost 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Canadian civilians. The report also observed that veterans have higher average mental health problems than the general population.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Peter Wilson is a reporter based in Ontario, Canada.