Medically Assisted Death In Canada

Introduction The Canadian government passed legislation approving medical assistance in dying for those who are eligible in June 2016; this change has sparked much debate about the topic (The Government of Canada, 2018). One may ask: what is medical assistance in dying? In Canada this means that a physician or nurse practitioner, either directly or indirectly, through the use of drug administration aids a person to die (Government of Canada, 2018). This option is for those who are in a state of declining illness that cannot be treated successfully (Government of Canada, 2018). While there are many rules and regulations outlining medical assistance in dying, one eligibility criteria is of particular interest. Informed consent must be provided

In the example provided, a patient may not have the option of being involved in the decision making process, however, in the case of medically assisted death, in the initial stages at least, a patient would be in charge of their own destiny after careful consideration that this act would not be unreasonable in their situation (McKormick & Min,

This criteria also applies to the ‘proportionality between good and bad’ subsection of the principle of double effect (McKormick & Min, 2013). Is assisted death more morally wrong than intense suffering? Does the good outcome outweigh the negative outcome? Some Canadians are saying no and opting for medically assisted death; notably, a condition must be irreversible and in declination to be considered grievous (Government of Canada, 2018). If an individual was deemed eligible prior to their mental health declining and they had specific instructions in place in an advanced care plan, in theory, it would likely not be evil or morally unreasonable to carry out their wishes since there is only a possibility of further decline; ultimately this would meet the condition of the agent’s intention in that they want only good for the patient (McKormick & Min,