Medical assistance in dying has been one of the most complex and ethically challenging issues facing Canadian physicians. At the CMA, our goal is to facilitate bold and courageous dialogue about this end-of-life intervention and its implications. As detailed in our policy on medical assistance in dying, we support our members in exercising their freedom of conscience — both for those who choose to provide or participate in medical assistance in dying and those who do not.
In 2015, the CMA intervened in a landmark case that set parameters for legal medical assistance in dying. We also engaged in wide consultation with our members, to inform our contribution to the development of Canada’s MAiD legislation. Today, we provide our members with information and learning opportunities about assistance in dying and remain an active participant in key discussions, including the development of federal reporting and oversight mechanisms.
Physician Changemakers
2017 CMA study
of physicians in Canada would be willing to provide medical assistance in dying through an advance request
2017 CMA study
of physicians say the biggest difficulty with advance requests is determining when patient circumstances meet the specified criteria
2017 CMA study
of physicians support providing medical assistance in dying where mental illness is the sole underlying condition
2017 CMA study
of physicians say assessing patient ability to consent is the biggest challenge for medical assistance in dying where mental illness is the sole underlying condition