Bill Detail
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion)
This enactment amends the Criminal Code to make it an offence for certain persons in certain circumstances to initiate a discussion with a person about the availability to them of medical assistance in dying, knowing that they have not specifically requested to have such a discussion.
Bill C-260, also known as the Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act, aims to protect individuals from unwanted discussions about medical assistance in dying (MAID). It makes it a criminal offence for certain government officials or employees (excluding medical practitioners and registered nurses) to initiate a conversation about MAID with someone if they are in a position of trust or authority and know the person has not asked for such a discussion. This is to prevent vulnerable individuals from feeling pressured or coerced into considering MAID when they have not expressed interest.