For the fifth year, albeit at a slower pace, Canada has seen a rise in euthanasia rates, according to the country’s fifth annual report published since the legalization of assisted suicide in 2016.

In 2023, about 15,300 people, or 4.7% of deaths in the country, underwent assisted suicide. Lawmakers aim to expand access to euthanasia to cover people with mental illness by 2027.

Canada is among the few countries with euthanasia legislation, as is Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Austria.

The profile of those who choose euthanasia

According to the relevant authorities in Canada, the rate increased by nearly 16% in 2023, compared to a 31% increase in previous years.

Almost all those who requested euthanasia, or about 96%, had foreseeable natural death. In the remaining 4%, euthanasia was requested due to the existence of a long-term illness with no imminent natural death.

The average age of those who requested assisted suicide was 77 years, with cancer reported as the most common underlying disease.

In terms of racial and ethnic data, 96% identified as white, making up 70% of Canada’s population. This is followed by Asians (1.8%), who represent approximately 5.7% of Canadians.

Euthanasia has higher rates in Cebec (37% of all deaths), although the city has only 22% of Canada’s population.