A Canadian woman named Tracey Thompson, suffering from long Covid&nbsp;is seeking assisted suicide after the disease robbed her off of all her&nbsp;life savings and the ability to get out of bed.&nbsp;

Thompson applied for the country's legal euthanasia programme after it became apparent she was stuck with an incurable disease and that her condition would not improve.&nbsp;

"My quality of life with this illness is almost nonexistent, it’s not a good life.&nbsp;I don’t do anything. It is painfully boring. It’s profoundly isolating,” she was quoted as saying by DailyMail.&nbsp;

Thompson hasn't been able to work a single day since 2020 when she first caught the virus. She is so sore and fatigued that she stays in bed for up to 22 hours a day.&nbsp;

Her symptoms developed as an ordinary COVID-19 patient - losing her sense of taste and smell while developing a sore throat was the first stage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-delays-euthanasia-for-mentally-ill-after-facing-criticism-544360">Also read |&nbsp;Canada delays euthanasia for mentally ill after facing criticism</a>

However, a few months later, the illness caught up with her. Instead of getting better as most COVID-19 patients do, Thompson's health started deteriorating. In May 2020, she went to the doctors who couldn't diagnose her as nobody knew what long Covid was as the concept did not exist

As a result, she was sent back home and her health continued to tumble. In the fall of the same year, she had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering intense chest pains and struggling to catch her breath for over 36 hours.&nbsp;

Thompson somehow managed to survive that particular onslaught but the treatment depleted her finances. With her health not improving, she kept losing money without any source of income.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-euthanasia-9164">Watch | What is euthanasia?</a>

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Once a professional chef and full of life, Thompson now mostly only consumes various medications and a meal replacement shake because long Covid has caused her to become “allergic to everything".&nbsp;

Notably, in Canada, there are euthanasia&nbsp;rules which state that anyone suffering from an incurable medical condition can apply to die, even if the disease like long-Covid is not terminal.&nbsp;

As a result, the programme, first introduced in 2016 remains a controversial topic in the country. It recently came under more scrutiny after the government considered adding another eligibility criterion: terminally ill minors.&nbsp;

The change would allow those under the age of 18 to be euthanised, a procedure the current policy blocks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Canadian woman named Tracey Thompson, suffering from long Covid is seeking assisted suicide after the disease robbed her off of all her life savings and the ability to get out of bed.

A Canadian woman named Tracey Thompson, suffering from long Covid is seeking assisted suicide after the disease robbed her off of all her life savings and the ability to get out of bed. Thompson applied for the country's legal euthanasia programme after it became apparent she was stuck with an incurable disease and that her condition would not improve. "My quality of life with this illness is almost nonexistent, it’s not a good life. I don’t do anything. It is painfully boring. It’s profoundly isolating,” she was quoted as saying by DailyMail. Thompson hasn't been able to work a single day since 2020 when she first caught the virus. She is so sore and fatigued that she stays in bed for up to 22 hours a day. Her symptoms developed as an ordinary COVID-19 patient - losing her sense of taste and smell while developing a sore throat was the first stage. Also read | Canada delays euthanasia for mentally ill after facing criticism However, a few months later, the illness caught up with her. Instead of getting better as most COVID-19 patients do, Thompson's health started deteriorating. In May 2020, she went to the doctors who couldn't diagnose her as nobody knew what long Covid was as the concept did not exist As a result, she was sent back home and her health continued to tumble. In the fall of the same year, she had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering intense chest pains and struggling to catch her breath for over 36 hours. Thompson somehow managed to survive that particular onslaught but the treatment depleted her finances. With her health not improving, she kept losing money without any source of income. Watch | What is euthanasia? × Once a professional chef and full of life, Thompson now mostly only consumes various medications and a meal replacement shake because long Covid has caused her to become “allergic to everything". Notably, in Canada, there are euthanasia rules which state that anyone suffering from an incurable medical condition can apply to die, even if the disease like long-Covid is not terminal. As a result, the programme, first introduced in 2016 remains a controversial topic in the country. It recently came under more scrutiny after the government considered adding another eligibility criterion: terminally ill minors. The change would allow those under the age of 18 to be euthanised, a procedure the current policy blocks. (With inputs from agencies)

Tired of battling long Covid, Canadian woman applies for euthanasia

Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation.&nbsp;From March 17, the law in Canada expands to include those suffering from medical illnesses. Currently, as per VOA, the law only applies to people whose death is deemed "reasonable foreseeable death" or those who suffer from a debilitating illness.

Watch | What is euthanasia?

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The proposed expansion of MAiD has garnered mixed reactions. While patients who had previously faced rejections of their assisted suicide requests and who now find the path to a "release" easier are all in favour of the new law. However, others including experts are in vehement opposition.

CTV News reports that the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes the directors of the departments of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, has&nbsp;requested that the modification to the MAiD law&nbsp;be postponed.

In a statement released on Thursday, the association&nbsp;notes that significant, unsolved concerns include the lack of public education on suicide prevention and a clear definition of irremediability or the point at which recovery is impossible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Dr Valerie Taylor, who heads the group, said that while a lot of work is being done in Canada, "further time is required to increase awareness of this change and establish guidelines and standards to which clinicians, patients and the public can turn to for more education and information."

The University of Manitoba's director of the psychiatry department, Dr Jitender Sareen, said , that if a patient wants MAiD solely for mental health conditions, "we don't have the clear standards around definitions of who's eligible. How many assessments and what kinds of assessment would they actually need?"

Victoria-based lawyer Chris Considine has been at the forefront of advocating for euthanasia, and supports cases that include terminal illnesses like cancer or ALS but says that mental health cases are not clear-cut.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugals-parliament-passes-bill-decriminalising-euthanasia-for-third-time-541712">Portugal's parliament passes bill decriminalising euthanasia for third time</a>

As per him, while mental health issues have grown their treatment hasn't.

“In addition, there are underlying causes for mental health which are not strictly organic," VOA quotes Considine as saying.&nbsp;

He adds that mental health problems can stem from many reasons, "there may be depression caused by poor housing, poor job prospects and other issues, which will drive people into a deep depression. Those issues could be solved, and therefore, there may not really be a need for MAiD."

In his opinion, the March date needs to be pushed back or at least strict guidelines need to be put in place so MAiD "does not become a substitute for housing, health care and other forms of social assistance".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation.

Starting mid-march, Canada will allow medical euthanasia for people plagued with mental disorders under the country's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation. From March 17, the law in Canada expands to include those suffering from medical illnesses. Currently, as per VOA, the law only applies to people whose death is deemed "reasonable foreseeable death" or those who suffer from a debilitating illness. Watch | What is euthanasia? The proposed expansion of MAiD has garnered mixed reactions. While patients who had previously faced rejections of their assisted suicide requests and who now find the path to a "release" easier are all in favour of the new law. However, others including experts are in vehement opposition. CTV News reports that the Association of Chairs of Psychiatry in Canada, which includes the directors of the departments of psychiatry at all 17 medical schools, has requested that the modification to the MAiD law be postponed. In a statement released on Thursday, the association notes that significant, unsolved concerns include the lack of public education on suicide prevention and a clear definition of irremediability or the point at which recovery is impossible. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Dr Valerie Taylor, who heads the group, said that while a lot of work is being done in Canada, "further time is required to increase awareness of this change and establish guidelines and standards to which clinicians, patients and the public can turn to for more education and information." The University of Manitoba's director of the psychiatry department, Dr Jitender Sareen, said , that if a patient wants MAiD solely for mental health conditions, "we don't have the clear standards around definitions of who's eligible. How many assessments and what kinds of assessment would they actually need?" Victoria-based lawyer Chris Considine has been at the forefront of advocating for euthanasia, and supports cases that include terminal illnesses like cancer or ALS but says that mental health cases are not clear-cut. Also read | Portugal's parliament passes bill decriminalising euthanasia for third time As per him, while mental health issues have grown their treatment hasn't. “In addition, there are underlying causes for mental health which are not strictly organic," VOA quotes Considine as saying. He adds that mental health problems can stem from many reasons, "there may be depression caused by poor housing, poor job prospects and other issues, which will drive people into a deep depression. Those issues could be solved, and therefore, there may not really be a need for MAiD." In his opinion, the March date needs to be pushed back or at least strict guidelines need to be put in place so MAiD "does not become a substitute for housing, health care and other forms of social assistance". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experts raise alarm as Canada expands euthanasia to cover those with mental illnesses

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old.

On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute

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The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured.

Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes.&nbsp;The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim.

Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-court-allows-euthanasia-for-paraplegic-gunman-awaiting-trail-504289">Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail</a>

Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident".

As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year.&nbsp;She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news.&nbsp;'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it".

"With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote.

In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already."

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

&nbsp;

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The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they? A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old. On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off. Watch | Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured. Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes. The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim. Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020. Also read | Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident". As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year. She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news. 'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it". "With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote. In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already." (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgium woman gets euthanised after battling post-terror attack mental trauma for six years

Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal

Over a year after citizens in New Zealand voted to support the End of Life Choice Act, the legislation came into force from today.

New Zealanders had voted overwhelmingly in support of the legislation in a referendum conducted last year with 65 per cent voting in favour and 33 voting against it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-and-marijuana-new-zealand-targets-smoking-378060">Also Read:&nbsp;After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking</a>

The bill was earlier passed in the nation's Parliament in 2019 by a 69 to 51 margin as it was sent for a referendum.

The new law allows terminally ill patients to legally request doctors to end their lives. According to the new law, "assisted dying", or euthanasia is meant for people who suffer from a terminal illness that is likely to end the person’s life within 6 months and is an "advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portuguese-parliament-approves-euthanasia-law-360223">Also Read:&nbsp;Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law</a>

The law states that the person "experiences unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person considers tolerable".

The person's who requests for "assisted dying"&nbsp;would be examined by the doctor who has been treating the patient including an independent doctor. Both doctors would have agree on the criteria laid down under the law, if the doctors are unsure then a &nbsp;psychiatrist will assess the person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-blocks-livestream-of-euthanasia-campaigners-death-325557">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death</a>

The law allows "eligible person to choose date and time for administration of medication" and "no further action is to be taken if the person rescinds request to exercise the option of receiving assisted dying", the law states.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Over a year after citizens in New Zealand voted to support the End of Life Choice Act, the legislation came into force from today. New Zealanders had voted overwhelmingly in support of the legislation in a referendum conducted last year with 65 per cent voting in favour and 33 voting against it.

Over a year after citizens in New Zealand voted to support the End of Life Choice Act, the legislation came into force from today. New Zealanders had voted overwhelmingly in support of the legislation in a referendum conducted last year with 65 per cent voting in favour and 33 voting against it. Also Read: After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking The bill was earlier passed in the nation's Parliament in 2019 by a 69 to 51 margin as it was sent for a referendum. The new law allows terminally ill patients to legally request doctors to end their lives. According to the new law, "assisted dying", or euthanasia is meant for people who suffer from a terminal illness that is likely to end the person’s life within 6 months and is an "advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability". Also Read: Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law The law states that the person "experiences unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in a manner that the person considers tolerable". The person's who requests for "assisted dying" would be examined by the doctor who has been treating the patient including an independent doctor. Both doctors would have agree on the criteria laid down under the law, if the doctors are unsure then a psychiatrist will assess the person. Also Read: Facebook blocks livestream of euthanasia campaigner's death The law allows "eligible person to choose date and time for administration of medication" and "no further action is to be taken if the person rescinds request to exercise the option of receiving assisted dying", the law states. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Assisted dying' comes into force in New Zealand

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-parliament-backs-euthanasia-referendum-257711">Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum</a>

Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country. The German court rejected the five-year-old law which banned professionally assisted suicide.

Watch Video:

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The landmark decision came after a group of terminally ill patients along with doctors challenged the law.

In Germany, the subject is all the more contentious because of the Nazi policy of killing hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people during the 1930s and 40s.

The paragraph 217 was passed in November 2015 which penalized anyone who turned assisted suicide into a professional service. It required German patients to go abroad to end their lives. Under Paragraph 217, professionals falling foul of the law risked a fine or up to three years in prison.

Earlier, they would travel to Switzerland or the Netherlands or seek euthanasia via relatives. The law now stands repealed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-is-legal-281943">In Pics: Countries where euthanasia is legal</a>

The court ruled the prohibition of assisted suicide services violates the basic law and is void and that the country's constitution gives individuals the right to a self-determined death which includes the freedom to take one's own life and use assistance provided voluntarily by third parties.

The judge said those who wanted to offer suicide assistance must be legally allowed to without being forced. However, it set conditions through mandatory waiting periods or consumer protection standards for assisted suicide associations.

At the moment, assisted suicide is legal only in a few other places. Switzerland, the Netherlands, in the Australian state of Victoria and in some American states.

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional". Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country.

A court in Germany has said that a 2015 law banning professional assisted suicide was "unconstitutional". Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum Assisted suicide services are no longer banned in the country. The German court rejected the five-year-old law which banned professionally assisted suicide. Watch Video: The landmark decision came after a group of terminally ill patients along with doctors challenged the law. In Germany, the subject is all the more contentious because of the Nazi policy of killing hundreds of thousands of sick and disabled people during the 1930s and 40s. The paragraph 217 was passed in November 2015 which penalized anyone who turned assisted suicide into a professional service. It required German patients to go abroad to end their lives. Under Paragraph 217, professionals falling foul of the law risked a fine or up to three years in prison. Earlier, they would travel to Switzerland or the Netherlands or seek euthanasia via relatives. The law now stands repealed. In Pics: Countries where euthanasia is legal The court ruled the prohibition of assisted suicide services violates the basic law and is void and that the country's constitution gives individuals the right to a self-determined death which includes the freedom to take one's own life and use assistance provided voluntarily by third parties. The judge said those who wanted to offer suicide assistance must be legally allowed to without being forced. However, it set conditions through mandatory waiting periods or consumer protection standards for assisted suicide associations. At the moment, assisted suicide is legal only in a few other places. Switzerland, the Netherlands, in the Australian state of Victoria and in some American states.

German court overturns ban on assisted suicide

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/euthanasia-becomes-legal-in-the-australian-state-of-victoria-228565">euthanasia</a> amid protests from religious groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-parliament-backs-euthanasia-referendum-257711">Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum</a>

The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred &nbsp;Portuguese protested outside the House.

The vote comes two years after parliament rejected a bill to legalise voluntary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahadayi-river-dispute-karnataka-farmers-to-boycott-state-polls-will-protest-in-delhi-131799">euthanasia </a>for terminally ill patients.

Euthanasia involves a process in which a physician takes part in ending a patient's life. In &nbsp;assisted suicide, the doctor provides a lethal substance for the patient to self-administer.

Both practices are allowed in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium.

However, the bill was passed after a big debate.

"Prosecuting someone who helps a patient with an incurable disease is a form of intolerance," socialist MP Isabel Moreira said in Parliament.

Portugal's Social Democratic Party, Communist Party, CDS-PP voted against all of the proposals.

The five proposals will now be put into a single draft bill for a final vote, expected to take place before the summer. 
&nbsp;

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of euthanasia amid protests from religious groups. Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred Portuguese protested outside the House.

Portugal's lawmakers on Thursday approved a set of bills aimed at decriminalisation of euthanasia amid protests from religious groups. Also Read: New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum The vote was approved with 127 votes in favour, 86 votes against and 10 abstentions in the 230 member Parliament as several hundred Portuguese protested outside the House. The vote comes two years after parliament rejected a bill to legalise voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill patients. Euthanasia involves a process in which a physician takes part in ending a patient's life. In assisted suicide, the doctor provides a lethal substance for the patient to self-administer. Both practices are allowed in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium. However, the bill was passed after a big debate. "Prosecuting someone who helps a patient with an incurable disease is a form of intolerance," socialist MP Isabel Moreira said in Parliament. Portugal's Social Democratic Party, Communist Party, CDS-PP voted against all of the proposals. The five proposals will now be put into a single draft bill for a final vote, expected to take place before the summer.

Portuguese lawmakers take first step to decriminalise euthanasia amid protests