For People With Dementia, Changes in MAiD Law Offer New Hope

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Keywords

MAiD, End of Life Care, Healthcare, Dementia, Canada

Abstract

People with dementia have been caught in a cruel trap under Canada’s medical assistance in dying law (MAiD) – until now. As their suffering advanced, their decision-making capacity receded, but the capacity to make their own health-care decisions was required at the moment of MAiD itself. Access to MAiD balanced on the knife-edge of reaching an intolerable state of suffering prior to completely losing capacity. People were forced to choose to end their lives earlier than they wanted. With the passage of legislation amending Canada’s MAiD law (Bill C-7), this dilemma will be over for many.

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