The moral web of accessibility to medical assistance in dying: Reflections from the Canadian context

Abstract

In this paper, we reflect on factors that seem to have influenced the accessibility of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in the Canadian context. Since legalization in 2016, the uptake of MAID has increased rapidly to equal or exceed rates in other countries. In that MAID implementation involves numerous ethical/moral complexities, we consider four factors that appear to have influenced this growth. First, we reflect on the vague language contained within the legislation that has been interpreted by a community of practice in which making MAID accessible is an important priority. Second, we consider policies of effective referral and self-referral that have been strategies for enhancing accessibility in relation to a wider context that contains conscientious objection. Third, we examine the apparent impact of centralized clinical teams and coordination services that have enhanced accessibility for persons residing in rural and remote areas. Fourth, we reflect on ways in which public awareness of MAID has been enhanced through policies that enable healthcare providers to introduce the topic of MAID as an option within advance care planning. We conclude with a consideration of how these intersecting factors may be shaping the moral complexity inherent in the idea of making MAID accessible.