Citation

Wilson KG. Can. Psychol. 2018; 59(2): 132-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher University of Manitoba)

DOI

10.1037/cap0000146

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Bill C-14 introduces a new era in end-of-life care by permitting death to be hastened through medical assistance in dying (MAiD). This article reviews those aspects of MAiD that are of particular relevance to psychologists, as seen through the perspective of the author's research. It includes a brief overview of the major legal cases that led the Supreme Court of Canada to overturn the laws against assisted suicide. It addresses such issues as the prevalence of the desire for death in the terminally ill, reasons for requesting MAiD, the concept of "intolerable suffering," and the association between MAiD, depression, and suicide.

FINDINGS from the Canadian National Palliative Care Survey are highlighted, which document the attitudes of patients receiving palliative care for cancer. Data from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Oregon are also reviewed briefly and contrasted; differences in the incidence of MAiD in these jurisdictions point to the importance of permitting MAiD to be provided by clinicians (euthanasia) rather than requiring patients to self-administer lethal medication (assisted suicide). It is concluded that Bill C-14 aligns with the opinions expressed by the majority of terminally ill participants in the National Palliative Care Survey. It remains to be seen whether new legal challenges will lead to the extension of MAiD to other patient groups. © 2017 Canadian Psychological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

Euthanasia; Palliative care; Assisted suicide; Medical assistance in dying