Experts warn that organ donation could help drive high assisted suicide rates in Canada

World
Canada
Euthanasia
Organ donation
catholic-news
Author

Daniel Payne

Published

February 5, 2026

Summary

Experts from the Canadian Medical Association and civic officials have warned about the alarming high numbers of donated organs from assisted suicide victims in Canada. A 2024 study published in the Canadian Medical Journal found a significant increase in deceased organ donation after the country’s medical aid in dying (MAID) program began in Quebec, with nearly half of euthanasia victims who donated organs coming from Canada. Jim O’Neill, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expressed concern about this link during an interview. Claire Middleton, a doctor at the University of Toronto, believes conversations regarding organ donation should not be included in MAID processes due to potential influence on patients’ decisions. Middleton is opposed to MAID and has concerns over vulnerable patients who might see their lives as worthless if they can donate organs through it. Some officials have even proposed euthanizing patients directly for organ donation purposes. These warnings highlight the complex ethical issues surrounding organ donation in the context of assisted suicide, particularly regarding mental health patients.

Key Topics

Canada, Euthanasia, Organ donation


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