A parliamentary committee of 15 Canadian senators and members of parliament will report soon regarding proposed alterations to eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying. It would seem that the federal government chose to be preemptive yesterday when Health Minister Mr. Mark Holland said Canada is not ready to proceed with contentious changes regardling permission for those suffering from a mental illness to access MAID.
Comments made by members of the committee suggest that there isn't consensus on the recommendations with the change for mental illness scheduled for March 17 -- what would St. Patrick think? Those opposed, apparently the majority, are calling for an indefinite pause. One headline read Opposition parties call for indefinite pause to MAID expansion for mental illness.
There has also been significant resistance to these changes from some ethicists as well as members of the psychiatric community in Canada who are often working with patients who have suicidal thoughts. The lack of adequate mental health care in this country and the reality that some people might seek "suicide by doctor" are real. This change seems a long way from the "grievous and irremediable illness" provision of the original legislation.
Some critics say that the concerns about a "slippery slope" of acceptance for MAID has become a rush to the cliff with the numbers of those accessing this form of death rising faster than any other country in the world. From what I've read the highest percentage of MAID deaths occur in Quebec and British Columbia. In BC the percentage is greatest on Vancouver Island where many seniors go to live and, yes, eventually die.
When I peruse the annual report provided by the Canadian government the average age of MAID recipients is 77, not far off being equally divided between men and women. More than three quarters receive palliative care and/or disability services beforehand. Of course, this average age is likely to drop if mental illness is included as a reason for MAID.
I am convinced that people of faith need to stay informed and make their voices heard regarding MAID but as I've said often enough, I don't feel there should be a categorical condemnation as is the case with some Christian denominations. Just the same, we should continue to voice our expectations that the vulnerable be protected and that every level of government must provide adequate mental health care and medical care. MAID should never be the way out for those who are desperate because they are unable to access support. I spoke with a United Church colleague in congregational ministry recently who is concerned that young LGBTQ2S+ persons who are often struggling with identity and rejection could be inclined to choose MAID if the legislation changes.
A reminder that the United Church first issued a statement regarding MAID in 2017 and an update in 2020. In both our denomination rejected the possibility of MAID for those with mental illness. I feel that every congregation should give opportunities for members to discuss Medical Assistance in Dying in open and respectful forums which include a faith perspective. The three-part series I led at Trenton United on MAID and Palliative Care/Hospice last year was well attended and the participants were inquisitive and honest. Along with an excellent presentation by Hospice Quinte we arranged a visit to their facility for those interested in knowing more.
We can say our prayers about the outcome of the proposals we'll hear this week and do our best to be vigilant in the days ahead. I hope that the United Church will issue a statement soon.
Here are links to the United Church statements and the Health Canada report:
https://united-church.ca/news/medical-assistance-dying
https://united-church.ca/news/revised-statement-medical-assistance-dying
This is such a difficult issue, but in the end, I'm in line with the UCC's stance. I do believe it is a humane option for someone who is suffering from terminal illness.
ReplyDeleteWithout getting into specifics, we had a family member who passed away a couple of years ago. She had cancer and there was nothing the doctors could do. She really wanted to consider MAID, however another family member - who is a regular churchgoer and very vocal in her views on God - made some statements to her about the afterlife that persuaded her to reject MAID.
In the end, she had an agonizing final few days - all of which could have been avoided.
I do think we need to be very, very careful about MAID for those suffering with mental illness. With mental health issues being rampant, the prospect of people ending their lives through MAID - when receiving the appropriate treatment, which could take quite some time to obtain - is a scary thought.
The personal example you give, Roger, is a sad reminder that some people suffer unnecessarily and religion can be a part of that. I heard two excellent interviews on The Current today, one with a psychiatrist who opposes MAID for those with mental illness, the other with a MAID physician who supports it. There are no easy answers.
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