Thanks so much for reading, and for the kind words. I was actually just about to comment on your piece that one of the most resistant groups of people that I’ve come across have been the healthcare professionals. Tell random people on the street you work in assisted dying most say something nice or sometimes even give you a hug. Tell a healthcare professional and you often get cynicism or some sort of attitude that death is somehow a failure of the healthcare system that threatens their sense of identity.
There have been plenty of stories going around in Canada about how doctors have suggested and even pushed assisted dying on patients that didn’t bring it up, especially on lonely people in poverty.
It’s a pretty charged topic over here. A law was almost passed that would have allowed assisted suicide for those that have mental but not physical suffering. I’m not sure if it went through, but they were working on laws to allow “minors deemed competent” to choose death regardless of parents wishes.
So I agree that it could be the right thing at times. But it seems like it’s being encouraged a little too much over here.
Thanks for reading and commenting Tim. I didn’t realise you were Canadian- my husband is too so we’ve been aware of what’s been happening. It’s a bit too liberal for my liking- we’re super conservative with our laws but I think that helps protect everyone.
You might be interested in reading this post that discusses some of the issues you raise- in Belgium the laws are also very liberal and allow mental health without a terminal condition.
This makes me think of how poorly depression and “mental anguish” is treated: with ineffective medication. So many things could have gone different. The lady needed time to get clear of the pain, and maybe some effective therapy. Exercise instead of pills. Magic mushrooms. A beach to sit on. Each person has their own journey and it’s impossible to say, but I doubt that everything possible had been tried.
Yes - that's my concern too. There's no way I'd be confident that our mental health system is Australia is strong enough to ensure they had equitable access to appropriate treatment. Very murky territory ethically, for sure!
Thank you for writing about this Lauren. A few years ago, I accompanied my aunt through Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. It was heartbreaking and also a great honour. All of us deserve to choose to exit life gracefully with dignity. I feel fortunate to live in a country where MAID is legal.
Thanks for reading Gill. I’m glad you could be there for your aunt, but I’m sure it was still really difficult for you. I’m glad she got to have her choice.
Thanks so much for reading, and for the kind words. I was actually just about to comment on your piece that one of the most resistant groups of people that I’ve come across have been the healthcare professionals. Tell random people on the street you work in assisted dying most say something nice or sometimes even give you a hug. Tell a healthcare professional and you often get cynicism or some sort of attitude that death is somehow a failure of the healthcare system that threatens their sense of identity.
There have been plenty of stories going around in Canada about how doctors have suggested and even pushed assisted dying on patients that didn’t bring it up, especially on lonely people in poverty.
It’s a pretty charged topic over here. A law was almost passed that would have allowed assisted suicide for those that have mental but not physical suffering. I’m not sure if it went through, but they were working on laws to allow “minors deemed competent” to choose death regardless of parents wishes.
So I agree that it could be the right thing at times. But it seems like it’s being encouraged a little too much over here.
Thanks for reading and commenting Tim. I didn’t realise you were Canadian- my husband is too so we’ve been aware of what’s been happening. It’s a bit too liberal for my liking- we’re super conservative with our laws but I think that helps protect everyone.
You might be interested in reading this post that discusses some of the issues you raise- in Belgium the laws are also very liberal and allow mental health without a terminal condition.
https://open.substack.com/pub/subtlesparks/p/dont-kill-me-now?r=47xh6y&utm_medium=ios
This makes me think of how poorly depression and “mental anguish” is treated: with ineffective medication. So many things could have gone different. The lady needed time to get clear of the pain, and maybe some effective therapy. Exercise instead of pills. Magic mushrooms. A beach to sit on. Each person has their own journey and it’s impossible to say, but I doubt that everything possible had been tried.
Yes - that's my concern too. There's no way I'd be confident that our mental health system is Australia is strong enough to ensure they had equitable access to appropriate treatment. Very murky territory ethically, for sure!
Thank you for writing about this Lauren. A few years ago, I accompanied my aunt through Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. It was heartbreaking and also a great honour. All of us deserve to choose to exit life gracefully with dignity. I feel fortunate to live in a country where MAID is legal.
Thanks for reading Gill. I’m glad you could be there for your aunt, but I’m sure it was still really difficult for you. I’m glad she got to have her choice.
A beautiful piece Lauren. I love it.
I've had a lot of discussions about assisted dying in recent weeks and it is surprising how often this comes up:
"Why do they need to put the onus on the doctors and pharmacists to supply it to them?”
I'll send them to you from now on!
Thanks so much for reading. Am glad your mum got to have choice and autonomy during what I’m sure was a really difficult time for all.