Canada Gave Citizens the Right to Die. Doctors Are Struggling to Meet Demand
13 days ago
- #ethics
- #healthcare
- #euthanasia
- Canada legalized Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in 2016, leading to a rapid increase in euthanasia cases.
- MAID now accounts for about 5% of all deaths in Canada, surpassing rates in countries where euthanasia has been legal longer.
- The law has expanded from terminally ill patients to include those with chronic conditions and will soon cover mental illness.
- Patient autonomy is central to Canada's MAID program, but critics argue it leads to ethical dilemmas and pressure on vulnerable groups.
- Some disabled and low-income individuals seek MAID due to lack of adequate healthcare or social support.
- Clinicians report mixed feelings, with some finding fulfillment in providing MAID while others struggle with moral concerns.
- Canada's MAID system lacks strict oversight, leading to cases where eligibility criteria are loosely interpreted.
- The government plans further expansions, including MAID for minors and advance requests for those with dementia.
- Public opinion remains divided, with advocates emphasizing autonomy and critics warning of coercion and systemic failures.