My latest Controversies in Medicine video examines Medical Aid in Dying, the subject of one of the most difficult and personal debates in healthcare. In states where it is legal, MAID generally allows mentally competent adults with terminal illness and a limited life expectancy (six months or less) to request medication they can take to end their lives.
Supporters see it as an issue of autonomy and relief from suffering. Opponents worry about coercion, disability rights, and religious and ethical concerns. The following poll contains three questions, seeking your views on this difficult topic:
This month’s survey asks where you stand on the issue, what safeguards matter most and who should decide whether MAID is available.
CLICK “VOTE” FOR EACH QUESTION ABOVE
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Something missing from the survey that needs to be considered along with the questions presented is the influence of religious beliefs. Making a decisition for assisted suicide, which is what this is, goes against some core religious beliefs that we should not end our own lives regardless of the circumstances. Weighing that along with the questions above makes this a much more complex issue.