A man with a back injury seeks a medically assisted death because he can’t afford rent

A Doctor signs off on his request

After Farsoud’s application for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD, sometimes called medical aid in dying) and his reasoning for wanting to end his life was made public, there was an overwhelming response from the public in the form of donations to help support his decision. [v]

People from around the world expressed their encouragement and compassion towards Farsoud and his situation, and many donated to provide him with the care and resources he needed to continue living. [v]

People took to social media to express their solidarity with Farsoud and to share stories of similar experiences they had gone through, offering words of support and comfort. They encouraged him to keep fighting and not give up on life. [vi]

Generous monetary donations came pouring in from individuals, businesses, and organizations from around the world, demonstrating a collective commitment to helping Farsoud get the assistance he needed to stay alive. Donations of food, clothing and other goods were also made to help him get back on his feet. [vi]

Watch the video below as Cynthia Mulligan speaks with another man, Richard Ewald, who was considering medical assistance in dying due to being trapped in poverty but barely able to survive on his disability payments. 

Farsoud’s doctor, aware that his underlying reason was a fear of homelessness, signed off on his application for medically assisted death in late August. Farsoud would then need only to have a second doctor sign, then after a 90-day waiting period, Farsoud would be able to access MAiD. [iii]

One charity for end-of-life rights is highlighting this budding trend, raising concerns with the federal government. The problem lies in allowing low-income disabled individuals to choose death due to their inability to afford necessities such as housing. [iv]

One journalist asserted Canada is killing off poor people. He further contended that,

Capitalism is truly barbaric: In Canada, elderly poor people with disabilities are choosing to be killed in medically assisted death, because they can’t afford to pay rent and are becoming homeless.” [v]

Ben Norton, Capitalism is truly barbaric (Nov. 15, 2022)

​ Although Farsoud ultimately decided not to move forward with his MAiD application, he says,

“Other people on disability living in poverty–if they had a roof over their head and food in their mouths–would not have to consider Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) as an option.” [vi]

He hopes to bring attention to the ethical considerations of MAiD. Farsoud feels it inequitably affects those applying because they don’t have the financial resources to afford an essential quality of life. He hopes to create a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by poverty and the need for greater access to resources. [ix]

Canada reports that,

“In 2021, there were 10,064 MAiD provisions reported in Canada, accounting for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada.”

This amount illustrates a 32.4% growth from 2020 numbers. [vii]

Conversely, in the United States, five states have reported physician-assisted suicide statistics as follows:

• California had 1,816 deaths after ingesting prescribed medication for ‘physician-assisted suicide’ between Jun. 9, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2020.
• Colorado reported dispensing 156 prescriptions in 2021 but did not report how many resulted in deaths.
• Oregon has allowed physician-assisted suicide since 1997. In 2021, 2,159 patients died from ingesting the drugs.
• Vermont reported 17 deaths from the use of prescriptions in 2021.
• Washington reports 1,874 deaths from 2009 to 2020. [viii]

Additionally, the state of Hawaii legalized assisted suicide through aid in dying to address the issue of death with dignity through the Our Care, Our Choice Act. The Hawaii law was passed in 2018. Similarly, California passed the End of Life Option Act that went into effect in 2016. [xi]

The Peaceful Pill Handbook is a comprehensive guide to assisted suicide and euthanasia for the elderly, seriously ill, and those facing the end of life. It contains detailed information about the various methods of assisted suicide and euthanasia, including medications, equipment, and other resources that may be needed. [ix]

The handbook also provides guidance on legal, ethical, and psychological issues associated with assisted dying, as well as important tips on how to talk to family, friends, and healthcare providers about end-of-life decisions. Furthermore, it offers information to help people make an informed decision about how they want to die and how to ensure that their wishes are respected. [x]

​ Philip Nitschke, the author of The Peaceful Pill Handbook, is an Australian author, former physician, and prominent advocate for legalizing voluntary euthanasia. He founded Exit International, an organization that provides information and support to individuals considering euthanasia. Nitschke is sometimes called “Dr. Death” due to his activism and support for legalizing voluntary euthanasia. [xii]

His advocacy for the right of individuals to end their own lives has been met with praise and criticism. Nitschke has written several books on the subject of euthanasia, as well as appeared in numerous television and radio programs to discuss the issue. He has also been involved in several legal cases concerning the right to die. He continues to be an outspoken advocate of the right to choose when and how to die. [xiii]

​ Another, “Dr. Death,” also addresses the issue of dignity in death and medically assisted suicide. “Calling Dr. Kevorkian – A Date With Dr. Death” (1997) is a documentary chronicling the life and work of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who assisted in the deaths of over 130 terminally ill patients between 1990 and 1998. [xii]

The documentary follows Kevorkian’s controversial journey as he attempts to make medically assisted suicide a legal, medical practice. It also examines the moral and ethical implications of the procedure and its implications for patients’ dignity in the end-of-life process and during life care. Additionally, the film features interviews with those affected by medically assisted suicide, such as family members and medical professionals. [xiii]​

A film was also made titled Kevorkian​– which covers the final chapter of Jack Kevorkian’s life after his release from prison for assisting a suicide. 

Watch CBC News: The National’s Last Right Series on Assisted Suicide – Harriet Scott’s Story