From Nationalpost · · 1m
Canada to allow MAID for people incapable of consenting before death
Canada's new MAID law lets people with lost capacity request death.
In brief
Canada's new MAID law lets people with lost capacity request death. Canada will allow medical aid in dying for people who lose capacity to consent, after a bill to decriminalize advance requests for death was proposed. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
Canada's MAID law update
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced a bill to decriminalize advance requests for medical aid in dying.
Advance requests explained
Advance requests let people draft documents for death preferences after losing capacity to make health decisions.
Charlie's hypothetical case
A man with Alzheimer's disease could request medical aid in dying after losing capacity to make health care decisions.
Ethical concerns raised
Critics warn advance requests could mean people receive medical aid in dying when they no longer understand what is happening.
“Performing euthanasia on the basis of a person’s advance request “will mean that people will receive MAID when they no longer understand what is happening to them,” said Trudo Lemmens, a University of Toronto professor of health law and policy.”
Final decision question
Who decides when to act on an advance request once a person has lost capacity to make health decisions?
The short version
Canada will allow medical aid in dying for people who lose capacity to consent, after a bill to decriminalize advance requests for death was proposed.
