8 - The Rhetoric of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia (‘Medical Assistance in Dying’)

Summary

A minority of countries or parts of countries have thus far accepted the legal practice of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) (euthanasia and assisted suicide), but legalising MAiD is expanding worldwide. More countries are debating legalisation of euthanasia or assisted suicide, but the nature of laws and legal practices vary greatly and both ethical and empirical assessments of current practices are the subject of much controversy. We examine the premises and evidence in the rhetoric of assisted suicide and euthanasia. We illustrate the trend with the rationale and political concerns that led to the legalisation of euthanasia in Quebec as “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAiD), and its subsequent expansion in Canada to include persons who do not suffer from a terminal illness, including persons who suffer only from a mental illness. The values of autonomy, “dying with dignity“ and their ethical and legal bases for justifying MAiD are critically analysed. The implications of practicing euthanasia, as opposed to assisted suicide are discussed, as well as proposals for a duty to die in some circumstances. We conclude by proposing that besides debating the legal, moral and practical concerns with MAiD, we should also focus on the psychological roots of our fears and ways to reduce those fears in individuals and societies.