Strong support for access to assessment for medical assistance in dying for those with a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder causing intolerable suffering

Support is comprised of 34% who strongly support and 48% who somewhat.

The author(s)
  • Lisa Byers Account Manager
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A strong majority (82%) of Canadians support the notion that with the appropriate safeguards in place, an adult with the capacity to provide informed consent should be able to seek an assessment for medical assistance in dying for a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder for which they experience intolerable suffering. Support is comprised of 34% who strongly support and 48% who somewhat.

Younger Canadians tend to be more supportive of this policy: those between the ages of 18-34 (87%) exhibit stronger levels of support than those aged 35-54 (77%). Interestingly, those over the age of 55 (41%) are more likely to strongly agree than those between the ages of 18-34 (29%) and 35-54 (32%).

Moreover, Quebec residents (91%) are more supportive of access to MAID assessment for those suffering solely from a severe mental disorder compared to residents in Alberta (76%), Ontario (78%) and Atlantic Canada (79%).

About the Study

These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Dying With Dignity Canada in January 2023 regarding support for medical assistance in dying for a severe, treatment-resistant mental disorder for which a person experiences intolerable suffering. 

The poll was conducted from January 19 to January 24, 2023, before the Government announced on February 2 its intention to delay MAID for mental disorders by one year.

The online survey of 1,000 Canadians was conducted using the Ipsos iSay Panel. The results are based on a sample where weighting was employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample’s composition reflects Canada’s adult population according to Census data and results approximated to the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval, accurate within +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including but not limited to coverage error and measurement error.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry. Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

For more information, please contact: 

Sean Simpson

Senior Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
[email protected]

The author(s)
  • Lisa Byers Account Manager

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