Medical assistance in dying, commonly referred to as MAiD, refers to a doctor or nurse practitioner helping a person, at their request, to end their life.

The person must want to voluntarily and intentionally end their life. MAiD became legal in the Criminal Code in June of 2016 and underwent legislative changes in March of 2021, which set out new eligibility requirements, safeguards, and assessment processes.

Anyone thinking about MAiD is encouraged to talk with their family, their loved ones and anyone else who can support them through the process, including their family practitioner.

The decision whether or not to proceed with an assisted death is a decision only you can make. Whatever your decision, know that it will be supported in the best ways possible by the MAiD Care Coordination Centre and/or your care providers.

Conversations about end-of-life care are deeply personal and are specific to each person and their experience of living and dying. It is understandable that you may have questions. The following information has been put together to help you explore the option of an assisted death.

Information and resources

  • Who is eligible?

    You could be eligible for assisted dying if you feel you meet all of the below criteria:

    • Are at least 18 years of age.
    • Have a valid B.C. CareCard or B.C. Services Card (are eligible for publicly funded health coverage in Canada).
    • Are able to make your own decisions about your health.
    • Have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability ("a grievous and irremediable medical condition").
    • Suffer unbearably from a medical condition.
    • Have a medical condition that has advanced or declined to the point where it cannot be reversed.
    • Have been informed of any available ways to relieve your suffering, including palliative care.
    • Are not being pressured or influenced into choosing an assisted death.
  • What if I think I'm eligible?

    If you feel the above list applies to you and you want to find out more, you are encouraged to talk to your family practitioner or a specialist who may be involved in your care.

    If your family practitioner does not personally agree with assisted dying, they do not have to participate in the process. However, it is their professional responsibility to give your request to another care provider who can help you. You can also contact the Fraser Health MAiD Care Coordination Centre directly for assistance at 604-587-7878 or mccc@fraserhealth.ca.

  • What are the steps to receive medical assistance in dying?

    If after careful consideration that you would like to formally initiate the MAiD request process, you will need to complete the following steps, in accordance with federal and provincial law.

    1. Fill in a form

    Download a Request for MAiD form.

    You can also call Fraser Health at 604-587-7878 or email mccc@fraserhealth.ca for a Request for MAiD form to complete.

    One person must witness you signing the form. This person cannot benefit from your death (i.e. be named in your will). This can be a friend, a neighbour or someone already involved in your care. Contact the Medical Assistance in Dying Care Coordination Centre if you need help finding a witness at 604-587-7878 or email mccc@fraserhealth.ca.

    2. Be assessed

    The Fraser Health MAiD Care Coordination Centre is a specialized consult team to ensure you fully understand the steps involved to make an informed decision. The MAiD Care Coordination Centre team will ensure you are assessed by two different medical professionals (doctors or nurse practitioners) who will assess you separately to ensure you are eligible for an assisted death. Both must agree you meet all the criteria. If they determine that you meet all of the requirements for MAiD eligibility, and that you are capable of making the decision for an assisted death, they will then assess if your natural death is expected in the near future or not.

    Whether or not you choose to be assessed, the decision is only yours to make.

    If they agree your natural death is expected soon, there is no waiting period before the procedure can happen. If they agree that your natural death is not expected soon, you must wait 90 days from the beginning of the first eligible assessment before MAiD can happen. During this time you will have a consultation with an expert in your illness, disease, disability or medical condition.

    3. Your choice

    The decision whether or not to proceed with an assisted death is a decision only you can make. Whatever your decision, know that it will be supported in the best ways possible by the MAiD Care Coorindation Centre and/or your care providers.

  • What other end-of-life options do I have?

    The MAiD process is entirely driven by the patient. When discussing end-of-life care with a patient, staff will outline possible options that are in line with the patient’s goals and values. These conversations can include options such as palliative care, symptom management and other means to relieve suffering, hospice, as well as MAiD.

  • Can I change my mind?

    Yes, you can change your mind at any time during the process - even right before the procedure.

  • Where can assisted dying take place?

    Assisted dying can take place in your own home, the hospital, a hospice, a long-term care facility or another place that is meaningful to you. You may also choose to have family or friends with you. A small number of care settings do not permit MAiD activities to occur on site. We will work with you and others involved in your care to arrange for you to move to another location, if needed.

  • Will I have to pay for the drugs used to perform assistance in dying?

    If you have MSP, you will have full coverage for medications used in assisted dying.

  • Can I request medical assistance in dying in advance of experiencing suffering or receiving a diagnosis?

    Medical assistance in dying cannot be provided based on an advanced directive or living will, and can only be considered after a current written request is received. Only you can request and consent to MAiD – not someone on your behalf.

    If you meet all of the eligibility criteria for MAiD and your natural death is considered to be soon, as of March of 2021, there is now an option to complete a Waiver of Final Consent (form 1645). This is an agreement that can only be formally made between you and one of your assessors.

  • Where can I get more information about medical assistance in dying?

    In addition to the resources below, you can also call Fraser Health's MAiD Care Coordination Centre at 604-587-7878 or email mccc@fraserhealth.ca. We are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

    For further information, review the About Medical Assistance in Dying brochure.

    The Ministry of Health MAiD website has all of the most up to date information and forms available.

    You can also talk with a healthcare provider who is currently known to you.

Resources and other options for end-of-life care

For more information about MAiD, call Fraser Health's MAiD Care Coordination Centre at 604-587-7878 or email mccc@fraserhealth.ca. We are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Fraser Health's MAiD policy.

Tell us about your experience with our Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) service so that we can make improvements. Please answer one of the surveys below:

For further information, review the About Medical Assistance in Dying brochure.

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