At the 2023 National Medical aid-in-dying Conference held in Portland, Oregon from February 16-19th, I met with about 500 other members of the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying. We include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, doulas and volunteers. The Academy provides data, guidelines, information and support for the 11 states that currently offer Medical aid-in-dying as a legal option for terminally ill patients. In California, we call it the End Of Life Option Act. Because of the stigma around this type of death, which used to be known as “assisted suicide,” (it is no longer considered to be suicide, or listed as such on the death certificate, since the patient must already be dying to qualify), many doctors and hospices still don’t feel comfortable discussing MAiD with their patients, or letting them know it is an option. This is understandable, but frustrating for so many people who have questions, or who may even seek out more difficult or traumatic means of hastening their own deaths. Because of this, I feel an obligation to explain MAiD to my clients and to listen carefully to their questions. Let me be clear: I never promote MAiD or tout it as a “better” way to die. I believe that the natural dying process, when proper support is in place, offers intrinsic wisdom for us (similar to birth) that embraces mystery, awe and potential healing on a metaphysical level. However, this is not always how families and individuals get to experience death. Nor is it a “bad” choice to want to die on one’s own terms. If you have questions about Medical aid-in-dying, I am here to answer them in a non-judgmental way.
2023 National Medical Aid-in-dying Conference
