Canadian Medical Association

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) finds the proposed amendments to the legislation on medical assistance in dying a prudent step forward in response to the Truchon-Gladu decision. We support efforts to continue to provide greater clarity for physicians and are especially pleased to see the addition of new non-legislative measures to create more consistency of MAiD delivery across Canada. 

From the beginning, the CMA has maintained its position for the need to balance three equally legitimate considerations: 

  • respecting decisional autonomy for eligible Canadians who are seeking access to MAiD;
  • ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place; and 
  • ensuring an environment in which physicians are able to adhere to their moral commitments.

We welcome the government’s staged approach in order to carefully examine more complex issues. We look forward to working closely with Parliament during the upcoming legislative proceedings and the legislative review which is expected later this year.

Dr. Sandy Buchman
President, Canadian Medical Association

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