Health Canada is reaching out to the public for its perspectives on whether individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases should have the option to request Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in advance. This consultation, announced on October 15, 2023, seeks to address the complex ethical and practical considerations surrounding advance requests. The initiative aims to gather diverse viewpoints from across the nation to help inform potential policy changes.
The issue of advance requests for MAiD has gained prominence as more Canadians face the challenges of illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. These conditions often lead to a gradual loss of cognitive function, prompting some individuals to consider end-of-life options while they are still capable of making informed decisions. Health Canada's consultation will explore whether current legislation should be amended to accommodate these preemptive requests.
Currently, Canadian law mandates that an individual must be capable of providing informed consent at the time MAiD is administered. However, advocates argue that this requirement does not account for the unique trajectory of neurodegenerative diseases, which may leave patients unable to express their wishes when they reach the advanced stages of their illness. This consultation seeks to determine how best to uphold patient autonomy while safeguarding vulnerable populations.
The public consultation will take place over the next several months, inviting input from healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, legal experts, and the general public. Health Canada plans to use this feedback to assess whether legislative amendments are warranted and to ensure any potential changes are informed by a broad spectrum of perspectives.
