After years of waiting, this woman says Canada's delay to expand MAID is 'beyond hurtful'

WARNING: This article contains details relating to suicide and disordered eating.

When Agata Gawron first found out that medical assistance in dying (MAID) was an option in Canada, she says it made her feel empowered.

And that feeling grew, she says, when the federal government began its pursuit of expanding the program to include people solely afflicted with mental illness.

"It was the first time in my life where I felt most of my pain and suffering could end — that I could be in control of that, because I don't want to go on," she said. 

Gawron, 43, says it gave her peace of mind knowing she wouldn't become someone else's burden.

"I don't want to take away from somebody who can be helped. I'm at the point where I don't want to be fixed. I feel strength, because it's me finally showing compassion to myself."

The Regina resident says she has battled depression and an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, for 30 years — first diagnosed at the age of 13.

But recently, Ottawa announced plans to delay the expansion of MAID until March 2024. 

Federal Justice Minister David Lametti calls the proposal a "prudent path forward," and says he's confident the legislation will pass before next month's deadline, with support already secured by the Bloc Québécois and NDP in the House of Commons. 

"We want to have Canadians on the same page," Lametti told Cross Country Checkup host Ian Hanomansing. "And as one society, to be better prepared. We won't be backing away from this."

Gawron says the proposed one-year delay is "beyond hurtful" because it means at least another year of suffering, even before applying or being considered eligible for the program.

"I don't want to resort to taking my own life. I want to leave on my own terms." 

Over the years of her mental illnesses, Gawron says she's found it difficult connecting with proper support.

"I think my condition is a little bit different from the norm. People obviously develop eating disorders, and many get over it. But for goodness sake, it's been over 30 years of this for me."