Global assisted dying numbers hit new peak as more countries change laws
Medical assistance in dying reached over 30‚000 cases last year with some nations reporting up to 5% of total deaths. Numbers have doubled since 2019 as more countries adopt-or expand their laws
Latest data shows that doctors helped more than 30‚000 people end their lives last year which is double the count from about five years ago. In some places its now common — reaching up to 1-in-20 of all deaths (with varying rules for different countries)
The Netherlands which started this practice back in early-2000s shows interesting numbers: about 5.4% of all deaths there are now planned medical endings. Dr Gordon MacDonald points out a concerning trend: “these numbers only go in one-direction‚ and rules get less-strict over time“
In Belgium theres been a 15% jump in cases last year reaching 3‚423 deaths; most patients are over-70 (they make up 70.7% of all cases). The country allows this option for any age: they even helped some really-young patients who had very-bad illnesses
Canadaʼs system — which started just 8 years ago — now accounts for about 1-in-25 deaths nationwide. Their rules are quite open: you dont need to try all treatments first (which is different from other places). Some worry this affects poor people more than others
- Switzerland lets foreigners come for this service
- US has rules in 10 different states
- New Zealand shows about 1% death rate
- Spain recorded 288 cases last year
- Colombia saw 50% more cases recently
The UK might join these countries soon: theres a new bill coming up for vote that would let sick adults (who have less than 6 months to live) get help to end their lives. Two doctors and one judge would need to agree; the person must take the medicine themselves
These figures show once you legalise assisted suicide or euthanasia the numbers of those being killed and the reasons why only ever go in one direction
