A woman in her 70s became eligible for Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program after experiencing what she felt was a devastating loss: She could no longer cook the weekly Sunday meals that had brought her family together. According to University of Toronto psychologists Gary Rodin and Madeline Li, the woman had come to believe that losing this role meant losing her value to her family. Based on this, she was approved for MAiD, but counseling changed her perspective. She realized her family valued her presence, not her ability to cook, and ultimately decided against MAiD. Her family still wanted her at the table. MAiD has faced criticism for being presented as an option before other forms of support, including counseling, are fully explored. Life can be difficult, and a counselor can help people work through challenges and feelings of hopelessness. Given the seriousness and finality of the outcome, it seems counseling should be a mandatory first step. Yet not only is it not required first, but MAiD is also being presented as the easier path. There are also situations where patients’ wishes were not respected, including individuals who reportedly expressed that they did not want to die, yet their lives were ended through MAiD anyway. Those who did consent likely expected the process to be peaceful and free of suffering. That may not have been the reality in every case, though. Ontario reported complications in 1.8% of MAiD deaths in 2023, including failed IV access, the need for additional dosing and unexpected drug reactions. MAiD began as a compassionate option for serious and incurable health issues, but has expanded far beyond its original scope. The program now allows for assisted dying for those who struggle with financial burdens, as well as ending lives on the same day that they submit their paperwork requesting it, after the previous 10-day reflection period was removed. Why eliminate the waiting period when it gives patients more time to reconsider their decision or seek counseling? Or maybe that’s the point. Canada legalized MAiD in 2016, and cases have since surged. The program now accounts for about 5% of Canadian deaths, and that number is expected to grow. Honestly this woman should never have made it to any initial stages of approval for just not being able to cook. Especially when DoorDash is an option. The post MAiD: When Death is Presented as the Easier Option appeared first on Redacted.