26-year-old Canadian euthanized under MAID after losing eyesight: ‘Chose death over care’

Kiano Vafaeian suffered from diabetes, vision impairment, and mental illness. His case gained attention on social media after being highlighted by Billboard Chris, who shared details of Vafaeian’s death and his family’s objections to the process.

Vafaeian’s mother, Maersilla Vafaeian, wrote in a Facebook post that she had previously been able to stop her son from undergoing euthanasia and secure help for him when he was vulnerable.

“Four years ago, here in Ontario, we were able to stop his euthanasia and get him some help. He was alive because people stepped in when he was vulnerable and not capable of making a final, irreversible decision,” she wrote. “Tragically, the Canadian system later allowed something very different to happen in Vancouver—where a doctor named DR ELLEN WIEBE AKA DR DEATH #2 approved his death based on mental illness.”

https://twitter.com/BillboardChris/status/2009699383366037903?s=20

She alleged that the approval occurred despite euthanasia for mental illness being banned until 2027 and accused the system of allowing a loophole to be exploited.

“The actions of DR ELLEN WIEBE reveal a pattern of coldness and disregard for vulnerable human life that I can no longer stay silent about, just that scary smile shows her entitlement for taking peoples lives,” she continued. “No compassion. No protection. No effort to save a life, only to end it. This is not healthcare. This is a failure of ethics, accountability, and humanity. No parent should ever have to bury their child because a system—and a doctor—chose death over care, help, or love.”

In 2022, Vafaeian’s mother launched a petition campaign to stop her son’s death by euthanasia, saying she wanted him to receive treatment for depression and therapy that had been scheduled for September at MAiD House in Toronto. She said that care never materialized.

“None of this happened,” she said, according to LifeSiteNews. “Just an application that lasted for 90 days and then approval and MAiD House! There was no attempt to connect with family members, no assistance to get proper help or medication for this young man, just an approval.”

According to LifeSiteNews, Vafaeian said in a September 28, 2022 interview that his mother’s social media campaign prompted a wave of calls to his doctor, leading the physician to withdraw from his care plan. Vafaeian searched for another MAiD assessor to sign off, but failed.

The euthanasia was ultimately carried out by Dr. Ellen Wiebe, a Vancouver abortion provider and euthanasia practitioner. Wiebe has ended the lives of more than 400 patients.

Vafaeian’s mother said she intends to pursue accountability and continue speaking out so other families do not experience the same outcome that she faced. Funeral arrangements for her son were scheduled for January 10.