Guardrails for Medical Assistance in Dying

 

This past week the Ontario government decided to reduce the size of the body that reviews complex medically assisted death and to alter its scope. The 16-member committee could be less than half that number and some of those who have been let go claim that it is because of their caution about certain cases and that the new format will be less rigorous. 

Ontario’s Solicitor-General and the Chief Coroner claim that the new group will reflect a diversity of views and uphold transparency. While I tend not to trust the Ford government on anything I have no reason to believe that this is an attempt to expand the scope of MAID or to hurry people out of this life. Why is the change necessary, though, knowing that the committee is only two years into its existence? Will a smaller group which meets less often ensure that the complex cases, including those involving mental health issues, be able to do an adequate job? 

As a Christian I want our governments to protect the poor and the vulnerable at the end of life and don't want any person to feel compelled to choose Medical Assistance in Dying as an act of desperation. At the same time I've come to believe that offering the option of MAID under carefully developed guidelines can be an act of mercy. Extending life under all circumstances is not compassion. We are certainly not intended to play God in taking life but is requiring people to live with no reasonable chance of quality for their remaining days fulfilling God's intention? 

The Globe and Mail ran an editorial two days ago with the headline: The guardrails of MAID need vigilant scrutiny. This is true and it's important for all of us to be informed and vigilant. 

When MAID became law eleven years ago the United Church issued a reasoned statement and then another a year or so later. Congregations and members where invited to respond to a government survey and we did so at Trenton United Church. I also led a discussion and study series on MAID and hospice/palliative care which was well attended.  

It seems to me that it's time that our denomination formulates another statement to address changing realities and encourages more discussion within congregations.