Wednesday, June 17, 2020

More Time for Medical Assistance in Dying

Did you notice? There is so much in the news these days you might have missed that this past week the federal government asked the superior court of Quebec for a five month extension on revisions to the criminal code related to Medical Assistance in Dying, or MAID. The gist is that the Quebec court considered the current legislation too restrictive to access for MAID and sought changes pronto. That was early last Fall and suddenly the push was on. The feds created a questionnaire, available online and in other formats, which invited Canadians to comment on what exists and possible changes allowing for easier access through advanced directives, a shorter "sober second thought" period, and including mental illness as a reason.

Despite a brief window of only a few weeks in which to answer, this questionnaire elicited more responses than any other in Canadian history on any subject -- over 300,000. Some of these were orchestrated opposition by religious groups which were against the original legislation passed in 2016, Bill C-14. Still, many thousands wanted to have input and took the time to complete the questionnaire. 

I was disappointed that the United Church didn't provide any reflection or support to individuals or congregations which wanted to address the questionnaire. I gathered a group of obviously interested people from the congregation we attend to talk through it and chat about the implications. 

Since then the UCC issued an updated statement on the subject which I encourage you to read. It seems to support the existing legislation without substantive changes and I'm inclined to support this approach. I do have questions about advanced directives which is a significant concern for those who want to decide when they have the mental capacity to do so. Under the current law those with dementia can't choose MAID but people aren't allowed to decide in advance, either. 

We strongly believe in the sanctity of life in the United Church, that every life is precious and God-given. This is a biblical concept and imperative. At the same time we recognize that sustaining life in the midst of pain and with chance of recovery is not the same as abundant living.Unfortunately, in some respects our medical technology has outrun our moral and ethical framework. 

I hope the five-month extension is negotiated and that there is opportunity for Canadians, including those in communities of faith have the opportunity to delve deeper into a sometimes bewildering subject. 

Here are some resources for you to consider including the United Church statement, a Broadview Magazine article about an individual who wants the right to decide, a CBC article,  and some government background. 

https://www.united-church.ca/news/revised-statement-medical-assistance-dying

https://broadview.org/magazine/june-2020/

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cons/ad-am/index.html

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/maid-assisted-dying-lametti-1.5607681

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