Consultations on medical assistance in dying (MAID)

Consultations on medical assistance in dying (MAID) eligibility criteria and request process

The Government of Canada has launched an online public consultation aimed at obtaining Canadians’ views on amending the federal medical assistance in dying legislation. Canadians and interested stakeholders are invited to share their views online until Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:59 PM Pacific time. 

Excerpt from the Government of Canada consultation page:

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) became legal in Canada in June 2016. Canada’s Criminal Code now exempts doctors and nurse practitioners who provide, or help to provide, medical assistance in dying.

Medical assistance in dying” currently includes:

    • the use of medication by a physician or nurse practitioner to directly cause a person’s death at their request
    • the prescription or provision of medication by a physician or nurse practitioner that a person can use to cause their own death

    The law currently sets out eligibility criteria for those who wish to apply for MAID. It also sets out safeguards that doctors and nurse practitioners must follow when deciding if a patient qualifies for MAID, in particular to make sure that the patient requesting MAID is fully informed and has given their consent freely.

    The Government is at a key point of considering updating Canada’s MAID law to expand eligibility for MAID beyond people who are nearing the end of life, and could possibly result in other changes once the review is complete. The questionnaire offers Canadians the opportunity to share their views with the Government of Canada on this deeply personal and very important issue. and why the Government seeks public input now.

     

    Read background and provide input.