Common Sense Health: Politicians have the brains of amphioxus

By Dr. Gifford-Jones and Diana Gifford-Jones on November 1, 2024.

Years ago, about people who were not too bright, we’d say, “They don’t have the brains of Amphioxus.” It’s a tiny fish with no intelligence. Today, more North Americans face the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. But Amphioxus politicians fail to end an asinine law in Canada that keeps victims suffering needless pain and mental distress. They say they need time to consider the issues. But while Canadians have made their wishes clear, politicians have been dithering for years.

Part of the problem is that some advocacy groups promoting a minority opinion are doing a good job of helping politicians sit on the issue.

Here’s a typical scenario that illustrates the problem. A person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Faced with this unfortunate and frightening prospect, and while still mentally competent, they sign an advance directive expressing their wishes for medical assistance in dying (MAID) in the future when they lose quality of life. But the current law states that at that time of proceeding with MAID, individuals must indicate their agreement. How can they do this when the disease has ravaged their brain? It makes no sense.

Dying With Dignity, a Canadian human-rights charity, has fought for legislation allowing advance directives. But politicians have failed to act.

What about those people who disagree with changing the law to accommodate people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? The ones who believe it’s a slippery slope to allow people to request MAID in advance? Or those who fear MAID will be misused? Or those who believe only God should decide the circumstances of death?

Critics argue that the law has become too lenient in countries such as the Netherlands, where it has been legal since 2002 and now permits advance directives specifying assisted death if they fall into dementia leading to a miserable existence. It’s this same legislative adjustment Canadian politicians are sitting on.

MAID is legal in a growing number of countries, most recently Australia, New Zealand and Spain. Austria and Belgium have joined the Netherlands in legalizing advance directives.

Let’s be clear. MAID is only an option when an individual aged 18 or older makes a voluntary request, has a grievous and irremediable condition, and gives informed consent. Additionally, two independent healthcare professionals must evaluate the person to ensure they qualify.

There are safeguards for people who never want MAID under any circumstances too. They can sign an affidavit stating that they would never request MAID. They can post their wishes on their front doors, in tattoos on their bodies, or in any other way that makes their personal wishes clearly known.

Religion is a factor for many. And with matters of faith, too often there is no room for compromise. A good law will allow people holding divergent beliefs to coexist without infringement on their rights. But on this issue, religion is getting in the way of the law.

Like everyone else, religious people should be welcome to state their views on MAID. But their concern that non-believers will go to a fiery eternity if they use MAID is something believers need to cope with, not those who face a painful, prolonged death and want a dignified end.

In Canada, there’s often something different going on in Quebec. As of October 30, Quebecers can make advance requests for MAID before Alzheimer’s renders them incapable of giving consent. The provincial justice minister has noted the strong popular support for advance requests and has confirmed steps to protect doctors from potential prosecution.

The rest of the politicians in Canada lack brains on this issue.