Medical assistance in dying in Canada: ethical, policy, and clinical considerations

This paper is an examination of the current Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) law in Canada and the various perspectives on this policy. This paper also examines the current state of knowledge and research conducted on this legislation in North America and Europe. `Clinical practice and ethical issues will also be explored from the perspectives of both social workers and physicians. The current state of palliative care in Canada and the services and supports available at end-of-life will be discussed. Alternatives to MAiD such as palliative sedation are examined. The debate over whether to extend access to vulnerable populations such as individuals living with a disability or using advance directives will also be analyzed. This paper will explore social work perspectives on MAiD and on end-of-life care issues and identify gaps and areas for future research. Additionally, the paper provides a list of recommendations based on current issues identified within the research.