I am responding to the letter by Nathene Arthur regarding MAID (Oct. 3 paper). From her letter it is obvious that Nathene is ignorant about what MAID is and who it is meant for. She would have done well to do a little research and educate herself before voicing her ill-informed opinion.
She says: "it's a slap in the face to those who daily get up, choose life, and try to make the world a better place."
In truth, those people would not qualify for MAID. They can no longer get up or choose life. The eligibility criteria from the AHS website: They have a grievous and irremediable medical condition; a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability; they are in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability; that illness, disease or disability or...state of decline causes them enduring physical or psychological suffering that is intolerable...
We were privileged to be at the side of a dear friend who had a rapid, advanced Motor Neuron Disease when he had his Medical Assistance In Dying. He could no longer work as a guitar teacher/ musician. Every day brought some new disability, he couldn't walk, difficulty swallowing, eyes fixed and frozen, incontinence. Living alone, he could not care for himself. Not knowing what horror would come next, he had the strength and courage to choose MAID. To be with him as he went peacefully, released from his pain, was beautiful.
Sue Rodriguez and many others fought for the right to die with dignity, We are extremely lucky to have this right in our country. This has nothing to do with the inspirational movies and poetry Nathene Arthur quotes. No one is "pulling the plug too early". There are rigorous sets of criteria and tests to go through to be approved for MAID.
Nathene is right about one thing- the next generation does deserve better, They deserve, should the need arise, MAID, the right to die peacefully and with dignity in the face of horrific illness.
Jill Brydges
Cochrane, AB
