An Alberta woman’s request for medical aid in dying (MAID) was halted by a British Columbia Supreme Court judge. This happened just as the procedure was about to take place in BC where she had traveled to receive it. A lawsuit alleges that the BC doctor who sanctioned the MAID procedure did not fulfill the legal criteria.
The woman, whose identity is protected, has a documented history of bipolar disorder and believes she suffers from a condition named akathisia, which is an inability to stay still. After several consultations, she journeyed to Vancouver the previous week for the MAID procedure. However, her spouse was granted an injunction to halt the procedure just a day before it was scheduled to happen.
The lawsuit further alleges that the woman was told to obtain her own medical records and send them to the doctor, instead of the doctor directly consulting with her healthcare providers. The woman’s doctor and psychiatrist posited that the request for MAID was premature and that she had not fully explored all treatment options.
A clinical psychiatrist noted that akathisia is treatable and should not be a reason for MAID. “MAID is not legal in Canada for mental disorders yet,” said Dr. Randall White, a faculty member in the UBC Department of Psychiatry. He added that there’s always hope for patients with mental illness as there are ways to provide relief and help them overcome their suicidal thoughts.
Neither the patient nor the doctor have filed a counterclaim. When contacted for an interview, the doctor declined to comment. Other MAID advocates also declined to comment as the issue is presently before the court.
With the global focus on mental health and patient rights, this case could be of interest to those invested in the medical field or those who advocate for patient rights. The outcome could potentially impact legislation and practices around MAID, particularly for those suffering from mental health disorders. However, the focus here is on the court case and the legal aspects surrounding MAID, not as an investment opportunity.
© 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
