WHY MEDICAL AID IN DYING SHOULD BE EXPANDED IN THE US

Despite an aging population with more degenerative diseases being present than ever before, death is rarely talked about in the US. Palliative care has risen to meet these challenges but there is more to end of life care than keeping someone alive. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) allows physicians to supply someone with life ending medication based on a set of criteria. In some US states there are very limited MAID laws. In Canada, there is a relatively more permissive system around MAID. Most people who wish to end their life due to what they consider unbearable circumstances have access. Through case studies and research, it was found that in areas with MAID laws there was more protection for people with degenerative diseases from suicide. Aiding in suicide is illegal so many people take their lives alone and prematurely before their condition progresses to a point where they cannot. In places with limited MAID laws like Oregon, the criteria that the person has to self-administer the medication could prompt people with conditions that debilitate to take the medication sooner than they would like. Canada's policies allow for advanced consent which side steps that complication. Since there is wider access across more diseases, less people are likely to commit suicide prematurely and alone.