Article By Frank Bergman
Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a warning about the escalating push to euthanize vulnerable members of society, pointing to Canada’s rapidly expanding “assisted suicide” program as a dangerous path the United States must reject.
Testifying before the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Kennedy did not mince words.
“I think those laws are abhorrent,” Kennedy said, referring to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program.
He added, “And we just see in Canada today, I think the number one cause of death is assisted suicide.”
Kennedy Warns Program Targets the Vulnerable
Kennedy argued that the policy goes far beyond personal choice and is increasingly impacting vulnerable populations.
“And as you say, it targets people with disabilities and people who are struggling in their lives,” he said.
He tied the issue to America’s global standing, warning that institutionalizing such policies would undermine the nation’s moral authority.
“I don’t think we can be a moral society; we can’t be a moral authority around the globe if that becomes institutionalized throughout our society,” Kennedy added.
WATCH:
Canada’s Program Expands Rapidly
Canada’s MAID program, introduced in 2016 for terminal cases, has expanded significantly in recent years.
Reports indicate the country is approaching 100,000 assisted deaths, with 76,475 recorded as of 2024.
The program now accounts for a growing share of total deaths nationwide.
Further expansion is already planned.
Eligibility is set to extend to individuals suffering from mental illness beginning in 2027.
Meanwhile, while discussions continue around euthanizing minors.
Europe Following Similar Path
Canada is not alone.
Several European nations have adopted or expanded euthanasia policies, raising similar concerns.
In the Netherlands, euthanasia now accounts for approximately 6 percent of all deaths, with over 10,000 cases recorded in 2025 alone.
Among those cases were patients with dementia and others categorized under broad “other reasons,” as well as at least one case involving a minor.
Experts in the Netherlands have warned that individuals under 25 may be particularly vulnerable, citing ongoing brain development and susceptibility to social and external pressures.
Belgium and the Netherlands already permit euthanasia for children, while lawmakers in parts of the United Kingdom are considering comparable legislation.
Critics Say “Compassion” Masks Broader Consequences
Critics argue that these programs are increasingly being framed as compassionate care while raising concerns about broader societal implications.
In Canada, assisted suicide now accounts for roughly one in every 20 deaths.
Opponents say the system has expanded far beyond its original scope, moving from rare cases to a widely available option for individuals facing a range of challenges.
Kennedy signaled willingness to work with lawmakers to prevent similar policies from taking hold in the United States.
“I am happy to work with you in whatever way we can,” he said.
Broader Debate Intensifies
The issue continues to generate international debate, with religious leaders and advocacy groups raising concerns about the ethical implications of assisted suicide policies.
In Spain, a recent euthanasia case involving a young woman sparked renewed criticism.
Religious leaders argued that such actions represent a failure to provide adequate care and support.
“The dignity of the human person does not depend on their state of health… but rather is an intrinsic value that must be recognized, protected and helped in all circumstances,” Spanish bishops said.
A Defining Policy Divide
As Canada and parts of Europe continue expanding assisted suicide programs, Kennedy’s warning highlights a growing divide over how societies respond to suffering.
His message to lawmakers was direct, noting that policies normalizing state-assisted death risk fundamentally reshaping how nations value life.
The consequences, Kennedy argues, are already visible abroad.
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