Alberta Proposes Limits on Medically Assisted Dying

Thu Mar 19 2026 05:57:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Alberta government has introduced a bill to restrict medically assisted dying to end-of-life situations, reigniting debates about patient autonomy and protections for vulnerable populations.

Alberta has proposed legislation that aims to limit medically assisted dying to patients with terminal conditions, reversing previous expansions in Canada. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the need for stricter safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, while critics argue it undermines patient autonomy. The legislation seeks to prohibit healthcare professionals from initiating discussions about assisted dying and bans its advertising in medical facilities.

Alberta has proposed a bill that would limit the use of medically assisted dying, also known as voluntary euthanasia, in the Canadian province solely to end-of-life circumstances.

In 2021, Canada expanded access to medically assisted dying, known domestically by the acronym Maid, to people with serious, incurable illnesses or disabilities, even if their death is not reasonably foreseeable.

Canada is also due to expand access next year to people whose only medical condition is mental illness, though that has twice been delayed.

Alberta is the first jurisdiction in Canada to independently propose limits to the practice.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated during a news conference that Maid should only be an option for those with no hope of recovery. This legislation strengthens safeguards and restores clear limits on eligibility to protect vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness or living with disabilities, she said. Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment.

The proposed bill seeks to prohibit doctors from unilaterally raising Maid with patients and ban its public advertising in healthcare facilities. It would also enshrine conscience protections for healthcare professionals and institutions.

While polls indicate broad support in Canada for medically assisted dying, there has been significant debate about the programme's expansion and concerns over appropriate safeguards.

Canada first legalised euthanasia in 2016 for people with terminal illnesses, later expanding it to people with serious and chronic physical conditions following a court case in Quebec.

Medically assisted deaths accounted for roughly 5% of deaths in Canada, with the majority having a death deemed reasonably foreseeable, often due to severe medical conditions like cancer.

A majority of assisted-death cases may not involve terminal illness, as individuals may seek it due to long-term complications impacting their quality of life.

Amidst this legislative proposal, Moira Wilson, president of Inclusion Canada, welcomed the bill as a necessary step to protect those not nearing life's end and urged other provinces to follow suit.

However, there are critics of the proposal, including Helen Long, chief executive of Dying with Dignity Canada, who argued that it limits patient autonomy and creates barriers for those suffering who wish to exercise choice.