Can’t believe I have to post something like this again!!
MAID is not something Canada can simply “offer” to a vulnerable person and carry out. The person must make their own voluntary request, be assessed by two independent medical professionals, have decision making capacity, give informed consent, be told about treatments and palliative care options, sign a witnessed written request, and be able to withdraw at any time, including right before it happens.
For cases where death is not reasonably foreseeable, there are additional safeguards, including a minimum 90 day assessment period in most cases. Mental illness as the sole condition is not eligible until at least March 17, 2027.
Yes, there have been disturbing reports of inappropriate conversations or failures in care. They should be investigated and addressed. But they are not proof that MAID is being handed out to people because they are poor, disabled, or inconvenient.
No one should be pushed toward death. But neither should someone facing unbearable, irreversible suffering be forced to endure it against their will. Compassion means protecting choice, dignity, and safeguards.