MAiD changes are a call to Catholic action

Dr. Peggy Thomson-Gibson

Canadian Catholics who want a more fulsome public discussion of the law regarding medically-assisted death are being called to use their faith to move a legislative mountain. But take heart. The first item on the change agenda involves something as simple–and important–as writing letters to your Member of Parliament and key government ministers, says Dr. Peggy Thomson-Gibson.

The catch? With people’s lives at stake, there’s no time to lose.

A Catholic and Calgary physician, Dr. Thomson-Gibson recently addressed MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) at a special meeting held at St. Peter’s parish. There, the medical doctor encouraged Catholics to learn how “we can defend our faith without raising our voices.” To do that, Catholics need solid information about their faith–and about what’s at stake, especially with proposed changes to MAiD law, says Thomson-Gibson.

The problem with MAID

Approved in 2016, existing MAiD law allows Canadians to choose a medically-assisted death when their death is “reasonably foreseeable.” Health Canada recorded 7,595 MAiD deaths in 2020, up from 1,108 in 2016. For information about why the Church rejects euthanasia or assisted suicide, visit this page.

Looking ahead, the number of MAiD deaths to date are a fraction of what was expected had proposed amendments come into effect this March. The now-delayed changes expanded MAiD’s accessibility while simultaneously decreasing oversight, says Dr. Thomson-Gibson.

Of primary concern was a change that allowed people with mental illness as their sole criterion to choose a medically-assisted death. People with a severe long-term condition or disability could also access MAiD, opening the door for medically-assisted death to be offered instead of treatment. Opponents say this confuses the notion of a “right” to die with a “duty” to choose death over treatment. This is especially troublesome in a public health system where disabled or mentally-unwell individuals could be made to think they are a financial burden on their families or society.

Information released in 2022 shows the proposed changes also cut a mandated reflection period for those whose death is “reasonably foreseeable” under current law. Instead of a 10-day period, the changes required a single day. Another change drops the legal requirement for two witnesses to one and the sole witness could be a paid health professional.

These amendments were scheduled to come into effect in March 2023. They were delayed in late 2022, and again last week. This provides more time for study and input.

That timeline underscores the opportunity for faith-based outreach, like letters to the Prime Minister and individual Members of Parliament, says Thomson-Gibson. She suggests letter writers model respect in their letters and conversations about MAiD. Catholics looking for more guidance about how “to shed light, not heat” on hot-button topics should check out information from Catholic Voices Canada (https://catholicvoices.ca), adds the doctor. 

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TRAiD for MAiD

Dr. Thomson-Gibson also called on Catholics to speak up for what’s known as, “TRAiD for MAiD.” True Assistance in Dying acknowledges the role of palliative care in alleviating unnecessary suffering. Since 1980, the Church has formally upheld a compassionate response to end-of-life care, including medical support for pain and palliative sedation.

Catholics looking for more information can check out Horizons of Hope, a toolkit that parishes in the Calgary Diocese are using to improve lay understanding of the faith and moral issues involved with end-of-life care. 

“What it’s about is communication. We want to have had good conversations with people who are dying,” says Gail Monk. A retired RN certified in palliative and oncology care, she has more 20 years of professional experience in caring for the seriously ill and dying. A parishioner at St. Peter’s, Monk participated in one Horizons for Hope workshop and was a panelist at one held in January.

Her experience and training are augmented by Monk’s memories of caring for her own mother when she died of cancer. Monk, then 28, said the experience was transformative. “I helped my mom and my family through a difficult time and it was such a gift.”

Today, she is grateful to understand how the Church, which offers “good counsel in living, also offers true assistance in dying. As support people, we have to show the people we love that they are not a burden when they are sick.”

TRAiD for MAiD presentation by Dr. Peggy Thomson

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Written by Joy Gregory for Faithfully. Joy Gregory is a writer, cradle Catholic, and long-time parishioner of St. Peter’s, Calgary, where she’s been active in preschool catechism programs, RCIA, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Letter writers are welcome to use a MAiD-focused template prepared by St. Peter’s CWL