The debate surrounding assisted dying in Canada has taken a significant turn as individuals like April Hubbard, a 39-year-old performance artist, plan their end-of-life choices under the nation’s liberal laws. April is not terminally ill, yet she has been approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), reflecting the progressive legislation that has evolved since its inception in 2016. This article scrutinizes the moral and societal implications of such laws amid broader discussions on assisted dying globally.
April Hubbard’s story unfolds from the confines of Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she intends to die onstage at the Bus Stop Theatre within months of her 40th birthday. As a lifelong sufferer of spina bifida, compounded by spinal tumors causing relentless pain, Hubbard asserts that her quality of life has diminished to an unbearable level. During her poignant narrative, she emphasizes the desire to die surrounded by her loved ones as she expresses a wish to end her suffering. “I want to be surrounded by the people I love and just have everybody hold me in a giant cuddle puddle and get to take my last breath, surrounded by love and support,” April articulates.
Critics of assisted dying refer to it as a “slippery slope,” voicing concerns that once the law is established, its scope may continually expand, potentially overshadowing other more supportive options. Canada has emerged as a leading example globally in the realm of assisted dying, paralleling the policies of countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. Initially designed to aid only terminally ill patients, MAID laws in Canada have evolved significantly over time. By removing the requirement for terminally ill conditions in 2021, Canada paved the way for broader eligibility, including individuals solely suffering from mental health issues, which is set to be implemented in the coming years.
Amid discussions in England and Wales regarding potential legislation similar to Canada’s, advocates and critics grapple with the implications. The UK Parliament has been examining proposals to legalize assisted dying, yet concerns arise regarding the broader ramifications, such as the potential normalization of death as a means to address disability and complex medical challenges. Disability awareness consultant Andrew Gurza, who lives with cerebral palsy, fears the message such laws send, expressing that while he respects April’s decision, he would still want to live even in the face of increasing care needs. Gurza suggests that there is a worrying convenience associated with the option of ending one’s life rather than investigating paths to better caregiving.
In 2023, there were approximately 15,343 MAID cases in Canada, indicating that about one in twenty deaths were facilitated through this program. Healthcare professionals involved in this process maintain that safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the laws. According to Dr. Konia Trouton, President of the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers, patients undergo thorough assessments before approval. However, dissenting voices express unease at the perceived ease with which individuals, especially those from marginalized groups, can navigate the process.
Opponents like Dr. Ramona Coelho argue that the growing number of MAID cases showcases a systemic failure in providing necessary medical and social support. Coelho suggests that the increasing reliance on MAID may indicate a troubling shift towards seeing assisted death as a go-to option for managing difficult health scenarios rather than dedicating resources to improving support and care services. This sentiment is echoed by families who have experienced the pressure of medical staff suggesting MAID as an option, framing it as a choice that may overshadow the possibility of enduring and meaningful support in one’s final days.
As legal frameworks around assisted dying continue to evolve in Canada and beyond, the moral intersections surrounding these laws provoke ongoing debates. April Hubbard’s story highlights a deeply personal journey that is underscored by broader societal questions regarding life, death, and the quality of care. As the discourse navigates these sensitive themes, it does so against a backdrop of emerging legislative changes and the stark realities faced by individuals with chronic pain and disabilities, making it crucial to carefully consider the implications of such choices in healthcare.