One mentally ill man’s fight for assisted dying in Canada

Around the world there are conversations on medically assisted dying. Germany, France and the UK are all currently debating whether it should be permitted, and for whom.

In Canada, medical assistance in dying, also known as MAID, is already available for adults with terminal illnesses, or serious and chronic medical conditions. The country has been considering whether to include eligibility for those who suffer solely from a mental illness.

For the past year, the BBC followed one man looking at applying for the programme, and the heated debate which has played out around the issue.

Watch the full documentary here, external.

This film was produced and directed by Olivia Lace-Evas and filmed and produced by Eloise Alanna.

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

In the UK details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline