1. Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)
Misconceptions
Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)

2. Why is this topic significant?
Euthanasia has recently become legalized in Canada (Bill C-14)
Potential lack of public knowledge regarding the details of the bill
Potential lack of public knowledge regarding the impact of euthanasia on society (especially the vulnerable)
Over 1300 deaths in Canada since legalization

3. History of Medically Assisted Dying in Canada
In 2011 Gloria Taylor and Kay Carter sued the GOC
They alleged that their disabilities prevented them from killing themselves when they saw fit
They argued that they would have to die earlier then they wanted if not granted the right to an assisted death
The right to life = the right to death
The SCC agreed with them
I listened to the case summary from both pro-life and pro-choice sides. They can be found here:
Pro-life:
Pro-death:

4. Bill C-14
As a result of The Carter Decision the GOC had to pass legislation regarding medically assisted death
On June 17th,2016 Bill C-14 was passed regarding medical assistance in dying (MAID)
Main purpose: put in place language in the criminal code that will exempt people from being charged with murder when participating in MAID (see section “a”)

5. Eligibility and Safeguards
Eligibility requirements:
1) Must be 18 years of age
2) A Person must have a grievous medical condition:
a disability or disease that causes them pain and/or suffering, which they personally find intolerable and that can not be treated in a manner that is acceptable to them. They also must be declining in their condition due to their illness
Their death must be seen as “reasonably foreseeable” as a result of their various medical circumstance
Overriding the Safeguards
An independent review regarding the eligibility of minors must commence within 180 days of the law being passed (CMA recently supported it be expanded to mature minors)
Pain and suffering could be anything including dependency
We will all decline if we do nothing.
I could say that any pain or method of treatment to treat my disability is intolerable or not acceptable to me
the bill was worded in such a way so that people can access MAID even if death is not imminent.

6. Eligibility and Safeguards
Eligibility requirements:
3) The request must be voluntary and must not be made as a result of external pressures
4) They must consent to the process after they understand how it will be carried out
Overriding the Safeguards
3) The law itself results in external pressure on the individual to consider MAID
4) I hardly see this as a safeguard to protect life

7. Misconceptions & Facts
MAID is needed because pain and suffering can not be dealt with
MAID is requested to prevent people from dealing with intolerable pain and suffering
Legalizing MAID will not result in the practice being offered to a larger group of people in the future
Requests for MAID will not increase over time as a result of legalizing the “treatment”
MAID will no impact on the disabled
There are ways to totally eliminate pain and suffering without resorting to MAID (Euthanasia Deception, 2016)
Kaiser: 90% of people request MAID because they have lost their autonomy
living/
In Belguim children of any age can now access euthanasia with the support of their parents’ and physicians children.html
Belgium had 235 euthanasia cases in and 1807 cases in 2013
See slide 9

8. Mark Davis Pickup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MpFCVxHW4A

9. Euthanasia's Impact in Canada
Candice Lewis
25 years old
Loves to paint
Challenges:
Cerebral Palsy
Spina Bifida
Chronic Seizure Disorder
Doctor suggested she be killed by euthanasia repeatedly
Her life was spared

10. Bibliography
Canada's Assisted Dying law - one year later. (
Sonnen, N :Where did we go Wrong? :
Civil Liberties Association: The Ruling that Changed Everything
Bill C-14:
Questions and Answers : Bill C-14:
Lifenews.com:Brittany Maynards Husband: if you’re Disabled, Life isn’t Worth Living (2016)
Shadenberg, A Belgium Extends Euthanasia to Children (2014)
In Canada, If Your Doctor Thinks Your Death is “Reasonably Foreseeable” He Can Euthanize You
Canadian Medical Association :Study of euthanasia trends in Belgium has lessons for other countries (2016)
Davis Pickup, M :The Euthanasia Deception Promo: "When grief begs for assisted death."(2016)
Davis Pickup, M :The Euthanasia Deception Promo: "Who gets suicide prevention? ."(2016)
Shadenberg, A. Euthanasia Deception (2016)
CMAPhysicians support assisted death for mature minors, but not mental illness