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Last week, I spoke about an email I received concerning Funeral Homes offering their places as a location for people choosing to legally end their lives. The email said that the Ministry of Health had attended a FDANZ gathering to raise this as a possibility worth exploring.
Although the email itself was somewhat selective in its viewpoint and terminology, I decided to see what else I could find online. There is a term called MAiD. Have you heard of it?
What is MAiD?
Medical Assistance in Dying. It is the legal right of a person who meets strict criteria to end their life with the help of a doctor.
This practice started in NZ on 7 November 2021. Not too long ago. Naturally, there were passionate opinions on both sides of the issue. And these opinions remain.
Canadian Controversy
In Canada there has been some controversy surrounding MAiD. This includes:
- who is actually eligible for MAiD?
- safeguards being met correctly.
- the rapidly increasing numbers of people choosing this option in recent times.
- mental illness becoming a legal reason for MAiD
- Lack of family notification of someone undergoes MAiD.
Belgium’s Policy
Today, Belgium has the most liberal euthanasia laws that allow it for people with mental illness. Whereas other countries limit it to people with terminal diseases. Also Belgium doesn’t have an age limit. It has been recorded that some minors have opted for this.
What are the main concerns with MAiD?
Because euthanasia has started in NZ and other countries and people have used this option with the strict criteria imposed. However the concerns beyond this are:
- Abuse and Coercion. Especially with mental illness or elderly people who may believe it would be better for their family if they went sooner rather than later.
- There is a risk of the “slippery slope” leading to unrestricted use of MAiD over time.
- Suffering. While the aim is to end the suffering of the individual, there is also the suffering of family members and others involved that isn’t taken into account as much as it should.
The safety of the most vulnerable in our society is paramount. Our humanity is measured by how we look after those who cannot look after themselves. This is not the same as those who may chose not to look after themselves.
The poor, the elderly, the sick need to be much more than simply a problem to solve. I’m not sure how well NZ is going in these categories at times.
Funeral Home and MAiD
The news of funeral homes abroad being directly connected with MAiD left a negative impression on me. This is a headline I read…
“Canadian funeral home offers euthanasia parties, for fee.”
The article was of a funeral home hosting a gathering to celebrate the life of someone who, still alive, was unsettling. The funeral home said it was a natural next step for the industry. Or maybe just another money making venture.
I view it differently. It may add pressure to an already vulnerable person rather than being a suitable progression, as some might see it.
However, for certain individuals, this could be a viable option. Perhaps they prefer not to be at home or in the hospital when they take their last breath. The funeral home might offer a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
MAiD is still in its early days here in NZ. The level of involvement of funeral homes in this process before death will continue to be a topic of discussion
There is always a valid argument for one side until the opposing view is considered.
For Simple Direct Funerals, the goal has always been to put the needs of the family first. The death of a person isn’t about me and what I need. It is about the family, and my role is to guide them through this difficult time as best as I can.
Ultimately, it is the family and friends who will cherish the memories of the person and be impacted by their life and death.
Supporting the vulnerable, whoever they may be, should be our main concern, as a nation. Making decisions about the ending of a life requires careful consideration.
