Medical Assistance in Dying

I had a cousin who chose to seek medical assistance when she was dying. A friend of mine had his wife seek medical assistance when she was very sick and another friend whose husband wanted to die at home. The idea of seeking medical assistance is a very sensitive and controversial topic. Right now, the Government of Canada has launched an online public consultation aimed at obtaining Canadian's views on amending the federal medical assistance in dying legislation. Canadians and interested stakeholders are invited to share their views online until January 27, 2020. So if you want more information and would like to make your views known go to the link and let the government know your views. The following is from the public consultation page, that gives very good information along with more links to other sites and agencies that can help. 
Who can provide medical assistance in dying and who can help. Those who can provide medical assistance in dying services are:

• physicians
• nurse practitioners (in provinces where this is allowed)

Those who can help provide medical assistance in dying include:

• pharmacists
• family members or other people that you ask to help
• health care providers who help physicians or nurse practitioners

These people can assist in the process without being charged under criminal law. However, physicians, nurse practitioners and other people who are directly involved must follow:

• the rules set out in the Criminal Code
• applicable provincial and territorial health-related laws, rules and policies

Protecting the right of providers to act according to their beliefs and values

Not all health care providers will be comfortable with medical assistance in dying. The federal practice may not be consistent with a provider's beliefs and values. The federal legislation does not force any person to provide or help to provide medical assistance in dying.

Provincial and territorial governments have the responsibility for determining how and where health care services are provided. They may also make policies around where medical assistance in dying can take place as long as they do not conflict with the Criminal Code.

Supporting access for patients seeking medical assistance in dying

We understand that these provider rights could create problems for patients who want to access medical assistance in dying. Most provinces and territories have developed care coordination systems to help patients learn more about this service.

Available Options

There are 2 types of medical assistance in dying available to Canadians. They each must include a physician or nurse practitioner who:

• directly administers a substance that causes death, such as an injection of a drug
  • this is becoming known as clinician-administered medical assistance in dying
  • it was previously known as voluntary euthanasia

or

• provides or prescribes a drug that the eligible person takes themselves, in order to bring about their own death
  • this is becoming known as self-administered medical assistance in dying
  • it was previously known as medically assisted suicide or assisted suicide