Canadian study on euthanasia-linked organ donation sparks ethical debate
By patricklewis // 2025-11-02
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  • A study published on Oct. 26 in the Journal of Hepatology suggests that liver transplants from euthanasia (MAiD) donors show success rates similar to those from traditional organ donors, raising concerns about the ethics of harvesting organs from intentionally euthanized individuals.
  • Researchers, led by A.M. James Shapiro, hailed the study as the first large-scale Canadian evidence that organ donation from MAiD donors could significantly address the country's transplant shortage. However, critics argue it normalizes organ harvesting from euthanasia victims.
  • Critics worry that expanding euthanasia in Canada could subtly pressure vulnerable groups (elderly, disabled or chronically ill) into choosing euthanasia as a "responsible" choice. There's also concern that financial incentives tied to organ donation could lead to the commodification of life.
  • Canada reported over 13,000 euthanasia deaths in 2022, a 31 percent increase from the previous year, but euthanasia itself is not listed in the top 10 causes of death, raising questions about its underreporting and the implications of this omission.
  • Bioethicists, including Dr. Angelo Bottone, warn against potential new practices like organ harvesting before death is officially declared. Some argue this could blur the line between euthanasia and homicide, further complicating the ethical landscape of assisted death and organ procurement.
A recent study published on Oct. 26 in the Journal of Hepatology has sparked significant controversy after it reported that liver transplants from euthanasia, or "medical assistance in dying" (MAiD), donors yield success rates comparable to those from traditional organ donors. Conducted in Canada, the study suggests that harvesting organs from euthanized individuals could be a key solution to the country's growing transplant shortage. However, the findings have raised serious ethical concerns about the practice of organ procurement from people intentionally euthanized. The research compared liver transplant outcomes from two groups: one consisting of organs retrieved after circulatory death and the other from euthanized donors. Co-lead investigator A.M. James Shapiro hailed the study as the "first large-scale Canadian experience" showing positive transplant outcomes for MAiD donors. The study builds on earlier research from Belgium and the Netherlands, where euthanasia-linked organ donations are also practiced. Shapiro framed euthanasia organ donation as a "final gift of generosity," emphasizing its potential to increase the availability of life-saving organs. Despite these claims, critics argue that the study dangerously normalizes the practice of harvesting organs from euthanasia victims. LifeSiteNews highlighted concerns that the expansion of Canada's euthanasia regime under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government could subtly pressure vulnerable populations—such as the elderly, disabled or chronically ill—into choosing euthanasia as a socially or financially "responsible" decision. The outlet warned that as the number of euthanasia deaths rises, some individuals may feel coerced into ending their lives for the benefit of others. In 2022, Canada reported over 13,000 euthanasia deaths, accounting for 4.1 percent of all deaths in the country, a sharp increase from the previous year. At the same time, troubling reports have emerged of patients being denied medical care or even encouraged to pursue euthanasia instead of treatment. The growing prominence of euthanasia in Canada's healthcare system, coupled with the financial incentives tied to organ donation, has further fueled concerns. Human organs, including livers, hearts and kidneys, can fetch market values in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, raising questions about the commodification of life within the expanding MAiD framework.

Ethical concerns grow over euthanasia-linked organ donation and potential for coercion

Bioethicists have long warned against blurring the lines between assisted suicide and organ procurement. Dr. Angelo Bottone, a scholar with Ireland's Iona Institute, raised alarms about proposals in some countries to harvest organs before a person is officially declared dead, a practice that some argue could turn euthanasia into a form of state-sanctioned homicide. While organ donation after euthanasia is already practiced in some nations, Bottone cautioned that this could lead to dangerous new ethical precedents, such as retrieving organs while a patient is still alive, but sedated under general anesthesia. Health Canada's 2022 annual report on MAiD revealed that the number of euthanasia deaths in Canada had increased by 31 percent from 2021, yet euthanasia itself does not appear in the country's official top 10 causes of death. This discrepancy has led some to question whether the lethal procedure is being understated in national mortality statistics, further complicating the debate. As Canada's euthanasia system continues to evolve, critics warn that the growing linkage between medically assisted death and organ donation could place vulnerable Canadians at risk of viewing their bodies as mere commodities in their final moments. With debates intensifying over the ethics of euthanasia-linked organ donation, Canada finds itself at a crossroads where issues of life, death and commerce converge in a way that raises profound moral and societal questions. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, organ donation from euthanasia patients raises serious ethical concerns, as it potentially incentivizes premature death and undermines the sanctity of life. Moreover, it introduces grave questions about informed consent and the integrity of the donation process. Watch Faytene Grasseschi and her guests, Nicole Scheidl and Amanda Achtman, discussing the Canadian government's expansion of euthanasia to the mentally vulnerable in this clip.
This video is from the Faytene TV channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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