Physician-Assisted Dying: A New Option In Canadian End of Life Care

Authors

  • David Bobrowski McMaster University
  • Faizan Bhatia McMaster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15173/m.v1i29.1117

Abstract

Healthcare in Canada is undergoing a major transformation as patients obtain the right to request for and be granted physician-assisted dying (PAD).1 This legal reform represents a paradigm shift in Canada’s approach to end of life care. In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) struck down laws that made it illegal for individuals to assist others in ending their own lives. The ruling on PAD has been held in suspension for 16 months to allow for amendments to health policy.2 The SCC’s ruling only applies to competent adults with persistent, intolerable suffering, who consent to ending their lives.1 In this article, we aim to coalesce several opinions on the implementation of PAD, highlight the challenges, and critically evaluate recommendations of several policy-influencing bodies. 

Author Biographies

David Bobrowski, McMaster University

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) - Biomedical Sciences Specialization, Class of 2018

Faizan Bhatia, McMaster University

Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours), Class of 2018

References

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Published

2016-04-18

How to Cite

1.
Bobrowski D, Bhatia F. Physician-Assisted Dying: A New Option In Canadian End of Life Care. M [Internet]. 2016 Apr. 18 [cited 2024 Mar. 19];1(29). Available from: https://journals.mcmaster.ca/meducator/article/view/1117

Issue

Section

Critical Reviews