Quebec’s college of physicians has expressed concerns about doctors being hesitant to perform medical aid in dying (MAID) due to potential professional sanctions. The number of patients seeking MAID is increasing, leading to anxiety among doctors who fear investigation by the Collège des médecins of Quebec. Mauril Gaudreault, president of the Collège des médecins du Québec, has publicly defended doctors and criticized the head of Quebec’s commission on end-of-life care for suggesting that MAID cases are pushing the limits of the law. Gaudreault argues that MAID is not being offered excessively and questions the basis of the commission’s claims. The commission has reported a rising number of non-compliant cases, but Gaudreault emphasizes that the rate of non-compliance is minimal compared to the overall number of procedures. He believes the commission’s memo has created insecurity among doctors and the public, leading some doctors to stop offering MAID. Quebec’s strict regulations and review process make it the most tightly regulated jurisdiction for MAID in the world.
Dr. Georges L’Espérance, president of the pro-MAID advocacy group, Association québécoise pour le droit de mourir dans la dignité, believes the commission’s memo has intimidated doctors. L’Espérance highlights the fear doctors have of reprisals from the commission, which has resulted in some doctors refusing to evaluate patients or ceasing to provide MAID. This fear, according to L’Espérance, is limiting access to MAID. He supports people’s autonomy to choose the timing and circumstances of their death, especially to avoid suffering and deterioration associated with incurable diseases. L’Espérance argues that while palliative care can address physical suffering, it cannot alleviate the psychological and existential suffering that patients experience while waiting to die. He suggests that more doctors, including those experienced in administering MAID, should be included in the province’s end-of-life commission.
Overall, the concerns raised by Quebec’s college of physicians and the pro-MAID advocacy group highlight the complex and evolving landscape of medical aid in dying in the province. As the number of MAID cases rises and the debate continues, it is crucial to balance regulations and ethical considerations to ensure access to compassionate end-of-life options while protecting both doctors and patients.
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