Limitations to MAID moves focus away from health-care struggles

The state of health care in Alberta is nothing short of a crisis, and reducing medically assisted in dying (MAID) is not the answer. Recently, the United Conservative Party (UCP) announced Bill 18. The proposed bill would greatly limit MAID to those only with foreseeable death in 12 months. But, MAID isn’t the biggest stressor on hospitals across Alberta.

MAID has been in Canada for nearly 10 years now. But, the procedure has many changes slated for the future. Originally, MAID was going to allow those with mental illnesses to have the option to apply for the procedure for March 2024. In 2023, however, it was delayed until March 2027. Overall, a little over 76,000 people in Canada have received MAID since its inception. All of the people who request MAID must go through a vigorous series of tests and waiting periods to make sure this is the right choice for them. The federal government increasing eligibility is what Alberta claims to be weakening the procedure’s guidelines. Much of this, though, is simply inaccurate information.

There is still a stigma around mental illness. Some of it we do understand, but a lot of it we really don’t. There are many psychiatrists that are split on the possibility for success in expanding MAID. There are concerns of whether the health-care system could handle it. Some are concerned that the system is not ready for the nuance of mental health illnesses. But, anecdotal evidence seems to show the upsides to the expansion of MAID.

Some people who deal with serious mental illness have claimed having access to MAID is somewhat comforting. This, of course, isn’t everyone’s experience, but it seems clear that the procedure would do more good than harm. Expanding to those with mental illness wouldn’t make MAID accessible in a way that it could be abused. The procedure is a timely, and thought out event that does not happen on a whim. Assuming anything else would be wrong. The UCP, though, seems to have this assumption.

In the grand scheme of things, Premier Danielle Smith seems to be acknowledging that the health-care system is failing left and right while doing nothing about it. This bill simply couldn’t relieve hospitals in any meaningful way. A little under 6,500 people have had the MAID procedure in Alberta over the past 10 years. Hospitals across Alberta have seen unbelievable delays alongside terrible conditions for nurses and practitioners. And more delays are coming. Edmonton hospitals are expecting delays due to change in compensation. But, Smith still thinks reducing MAID is the highest priority. The plan is entirely backwards. There are far more pressing matters like the failing health-care system in Alberta.

MAID should not be an enemy to target. It is a complicated and nuanced procedure that changes from case to case. The UCP should instead be focusing more of its energy on issues that are more dire like addressing the health-care crisis in Alberta. Advocating for hospitals is all anyone can do right now. Hopefully the UCP will adjust their scope to aim this much more serious situation rather than focusing on MAID.