A Neurodivergent Perspective on Equity, Autonomy, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

NCF has submitted a position paper to the Government of Canada on the future of MAiD eligibility for people whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder.

NCF supports ending the temporary exclusion on March 17, 2027, provided implementation is accompanied by rigorous, evidence-informed, neuroinclusive safeguards.

Governments have a responsibility to remedy social and service failures while ensuring equal legal rights and appropriate safeguards. People whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder should not bear the burden of systemic failures through unequal access to legal rights.

Neurodivergent communities have a particular stake in this discussion because many experience elevated rates of psychiatric conditions while also encountering barriers to appropriate healthcare, employment, justice, housing, and community supports.

Our submission includes recommendations for a comprehensive neuroinclusive safeguard framework, specialized clinical expertise, standardized assessor education, accessible assessment processes, meaningful neurodivergent participation, national monitoring and evaluation, and greater investment in neuroaffirming healthcare, mental healthcare, suicide prevention, housing, income security, employment inclusion, justice, and community supports.

Our full submission is attached.

Thank you to the NCF Board of Directors for thoughtful review and support in the development of the submission.