The availability of MAID to individuals with mental illness raises several ethical, moral, and practical concerns that need to be carefully considered.
They argue that physical and mental suffering should be treated equally when considering end-of-life choices, and that people facing intolerable mental anguish should have the same right to choose a dignified death as those with physical conditions.
They argue that mental illness can be episodic and fluctuating, and the desire for assisted death may not be a well-considered and enduring decision. Additionally, assessing mental competence and ensuring informed consent in the context of mental illness can be challenging.
Public debate, input from medical experts, ethicists, and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping responsible and balanced legislation on this issue.