Advance Directives for Medical Assistance in Dying: A Pathway to Autonomy and Dignity

Advance Directives for Medical Assistance in Dying: A Pathway to Autonomy and Dignity
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April 16, 2023
Understanding the ethical implication and debates about advanced directive is important for every healthcare professional. It allows him to make effective and ethical decisions while considering the elements at hand. Accordingly, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) has been a topic of ethical debate and legal reform in many countries, including Canada. In Canada, MAID is legal under specific criteria as per the legislation, Bill C-14. However, advance directives for MAID are not permitted. This essay will discuss the reasons for this prohibition and examine the arguments for and against permitting advance directives for MAID. In support of the argument for permitting advance directives, the essay will propose safeguards to protect vulnerable persons.
Reasons for the Prohibition
One of the issues for the prohibition is a disconnect between the law. Bill C-14 does not permit advance directives for MAID due to several concerns (Collier & Haliburton, 2021). One reason is the possibility that the person may change their mind when they or they can no longer communicate or make decisions. Another concern is the potential abuse of advance directives, leading to involuntary euthanasia or assisted suicide. Additionally, some argue that it is challenging to accurately predict a patient's future suffering and circumstances, which might cause patients to request MAID prematurely (Collier & Haliburton, 2021).
Arguments For and Against Permitting Advance Directives
On the one hand, proponents of advance directives for MAID emphasize the importance of respecting individual autonomy. People should have the right to decide about their medical care, including the choice to end their life under certain circumstances (Collier & Haliburton, 2021). Advance directives can provide a sense of control and dignity, especially for those facing degenerative conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease (Cantor, 2021). Furthermore, allowing individuals to make end-of-life decisions while still mentally capable can help prevent suffering and promote a peaceful death.
On the other hand, opponents of advance directives for MAID argue that permitting such directives could lead to abuse or misunderstanding. There are concerns that vulnerable individuals may be coerced or manipulated into signing advance directives, leading to involuntary euthanasia or assisted suicide (Collier & Haliburton, 2021). Moreover, there is the possibility that patients might change their minds but be unable to communicate their new wishes. Additionally, critics point out the difficulty in accurately predicting an individual's future suffering, which could lead to premature requests for MAID.
Supporting the Argument
In line with the importance and need for advanced directives, the author of this paper strongly believes in favor of permitting advance directives for MAID, based on the core bioethical principle of respecting individual autonomy, dignity, and control over one's life. However, to address concern...