What Are the Consequences of Denying Access to Medical Aid in Dying for Eligible Patients?

The decision to deny access to medical aid in dying (MAID) for those who meet eligibility criteria can have significant consequences for those individuals and their loved ones. When individuals with life-limiting diseases are denied access to MAID, it can have an intense psychological and emotional impact due to the implications it can have on their quality of life. Notably, it may cause some individuals to feel that their autonomy has been violated or that they lack control over important decisions regarding their care. 

Some individuals may experience increased distress due to the possibility of experiencing prolonged suffering or loss of function due to disease progression. This possibility is not only overwhelming for those who have a life-limiting disease, but also for their loved ones who may be having difficulty witnessing an overall decline in health and physical function. Both may begin to feel helpless or that they are running out of options. They may also experience financial difficulties associated with the cost of care and medical interventions. 

Denying access to medical aid in dying may also have the potential to increase the risk of individuals harming themselves. The inability to die on their own terms through medical aid in dying may influence some individuals to seek alternative methods of ending their lives. In seeking and attempting to die using alternative methods, there is an increased risk of these individuals experiencing serious injuries and paralysis rather than fatality. It also exposes loved ones to the potential trauma of finding the body of a loved one who has taken their own life through violent means, such as a firearm.

Overall, denying access to MAID for those who have met the eligibility criteria can have a detrimental effect on patients and their loved ones. It can result in a variety of psychological and emotional turmoil, financial setbacks, and even serious setbacks to physical health. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of providing end-of-life care options that respect the preferences and values of those who have life-limiting diseases. 

Sources

“Experiences and perspectives of people who pursued medical assistance in dying”. The Official Publication of The College of Family Physicians of Canada. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6135118/ 

“Rethinking Medical Aid in Dying: What Does It Mean to ‘Do No Harm?’”. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10258856/