A Quebec coroner, Julie-Kim Godin, is calling for improved mental health support for individuals applying for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) after the heartbreaking case of a 91-year-old man from the Montreal area. This man, who had sought MAID, tragically died by suicide shortly after his application was rejected due to the absence of a serious and incurable medical condition. Throughout his life, he had expressed ongoing struggles with grief, aging, and suicidal thoughts to various medical professionals, yet his requests for help remained unaddressed.

In her recent report, Godin highlighted that despite the man's previous suicide attempt and his various appeals for support, there was no structured mental health plan developed for him when he applied for MAID. The lack of assistance failed to acknowledge his mental health struggles and ultimately contributed to a tragic outcome. Godin's findings stress that there needs to be a system in place whereby individuals who express a desire for MAID can access comprehensive mental health support, ensuring that their psychological wellbeing is considered seriously.

The call for better mental health resources is timely, given that the debate around MAID in Canada continues to evolve, particularly concerning the eligibility criteria and the support provided to applicants. By emphasizing the necessity of mental health assistance, Godin advocates for a holistic approach to the MAID application process, urging that applicants receive proper care and attention to address their underlying mental health issues before any decision is made regarding assistance in dying. This recommendation also raises important questions about how mental health support can be better integrated into end-of-life planning within the healthcare system.