1. United States
2. Letter

There is a concerning rise in involuntary psychiatric detentions and forced treatment across North America, as detailed in the book "Your Consent Is Not Required." Well-intentioned individuals and institutions are funneling people into a system of surveillance, indefinite detention, powerful drugs, restraints, and harmful procedures like electroshock, often with poor outcomes and lack of oversight. This coercive approach targets not just those perceived as dangerous, but also children, seniors, whistleblowers, protesters, and many others. While concerns for mental health are understandable, depriving people of autonomy and basic rights is deeply unethical and traumatizing. There must be greater transparency around involuntary treatment practices and stronger safeguards to prevent abuse. I urge you to review current policies and restrictions around forced interventions. Prioritizing human dignity, evidence-based care, and least restrictive alternatives can better serve both individual and community needs. Coercive psychiatry should be an absolute last resort, not an expedient tool for social control. reforms are crucial to uphold civil liberties and prevent further harm.