Medical Assistance in Dying and Disability Rights

Authors

  • Daniel Stephen Marquardt University of British Columbia

Abstract

Disability rights activists have raised strong criticisms regarding the liberalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) as a dehumanizing practice of those whose lives are deemed less valuable by a prejudiced society. However, as with abortion and women of colour in the United States, disproportionate access to a controversial service does not inherently point to an oppressive practice. Addressing the attitudes of practitioners and ensuring equitable power relationships between the patient and medical staff are contemporary means of addressing the complaints of disability rights activists, but restricting access to a harm reducing service while waiting for systemic social change only puts an undue burden on those who need redress now.

Author Biography

Daniel Stephen Marquardt, University of British Columbia

Student

References

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Published

2021-06-28

Issue

Section

Student edition 2021