Federal Justice Minister David Lametti
The CBC radio program about politics called The House interviewed federal Justice Minister David Lametti about the questionnaire on Medical Assistance in Dying questionnaire which received more than 300,000 responses in two weeks online. I thought Lametti was open and reasonable in his assessment of these responses, acknowledging that it will take some time to analyze what people across the country have said. While overall Canadians appear to support expanding MAID, Lametti did comment that some physicians responded and noted that often those who develop dementia are content as their cognitive function fails, even though they may have wanted advance directives to end their lives when they still had their faculties
I was struck, just the same, that there was no discussion of the ethical aspects of expanding the legislation and access to MAID. I mentioned this over lunch with a couple who are good friends later that day. She is a physician who has a general practice and works in palliative care. She too supports MAID, but with reservations. As we talked she commented that society seems to have shifted toward what is perceived as best for the individual, which is important, while away from what might be the greater societal good. I thought this observation was perceptive and wise.
She is a Christian, active in her local church, as well as being practical as a doctor. And she doesn't support prolonging life at any cost. Her comments point out that this is an issue which requires considerable care as we alter our laws. I realize that I have now blogged about this subject a number of times, but it requires ongoing consideration and prayer This is an ethical and spiritual issue, and Christians should be engaged in the conversation.
This is a link to a recent opinion piece by commentator Michael Coren, who is now an Anglican cleric as well as a columnist and general media guy:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-coren-assisted-dying-maid-legislation-1.5434605
Here is The House interview:
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thehouse/canadians-want-expanded-access-to-medical-assistance-in-dying-says-lametti-1.5446731?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar
As I read the comments on dementia David, I couldn't help but think of my Mom. Her journey through Alzheimer's was 13 years long. She grew to be quite contented, and I would have been sad to have missed that period together...there is no doubt though, that it came at a high cost in terms of care $, as well as energy and health for my Dad.I don't know what my Mom would have said about it all....she never wanted to be a burden. And she wasn't. we need to keep thinking on this....
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura. There was always a peace about your mother, even when she entered into the deeper reaches of Alzheimer's. Your Dad loved her dearly as long as he had breath to do so, and your family was so good to her. My mother told me in a moment of lucidity that she thought MAID made sense, yet she too spent her final couple of years with advanced dementia in general contentment, although with some bouts of Sundowner's and accompanying distress. She always responded with warmth when we visited and got to meet and delight in her three great-grandchildren. You're so right, we do need to keep pondering.
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