Two-thirds of referrals made for assisted suicide in NS earlier this year were not completed

HALIFAX – Nearly two-thirds of Nova Scotians seeking assisted suicide in the first six months of 2017 did not receive a lethal injection.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority reports that of 64 referrals made for medical assistance in dying, 23 were completed between January 1st and July 1st. The remaining patients either dropped the request, lost the mental ability to agree — a requirement under Canada’s Bill C-14 — or died before anyone could carry out the euthanasia.

Dr. Tim Holland — a Halifax doctor who performs medically assisted deaths — says the province needs to improve training and administration for euthanasia, and boost reimbursement for doctors. Holland says he’s optimistic senior officials want to make changes, but adds that with the limited number of doctors involved, keeping up with demand will be impossible.

Cancer was the most commonly reported condition for the euthanasia, followed by neuro-degenerative, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Since it became available in Nova Scotia in June 2016, 46 people have received medical assistance in dying.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today