John Martin is a licensed minister with the Apostolic Church of Pentecost, based in Vancouver, BC. He is a Spiritual Care Practitioner at a hospital and long-term care center. He has met with patients who chose MAID and numerous people who have been impacted by MAID. The perspective of this article does not reflect the official position of his employment and may differ from leaders of the Apostolic Church of Pentecost. For further questions related to this article feel free to email him at jmartin@hotmail.ca.
Over the past two years, I have worked as a chaplain in a hospital and spoken to patients and family members who have considered and pursued medically assisted in dying, MAID, as an option to end their suffering. In most cases, distress, shock, and trauma are a common theme of family members and health workers. I help others with these difficult decisions. However, some MAID provisions without apparent negative feelings may result later.
Medically Assisted Dying (MAID) is a legal and contentious reality in Canada, viewed by some as a dignified choice rooted in personal autonomy. However, this perspective often neglects crucial considerations, such as whether a patient is depressed, neurodiverse, or if their family objects. Decisions are primarily based on a doctor’s diagnosis and prognosis, with little regard for alternative interventions or the impact on loved ones.
Legal Framework and Eligibility
In Canada, MAID is legally available to competent adults with grievous and irremediable conditions causing intolerable suffering. Confidentiality laws can prevent even close family members from knowing about a loved one’s choice for MAID. In some instances, MAID is administered swiftly, sometimes on the same day of approval, leaving families unaware and unprepared for the emotional aftermath.
Pastoral Care and Support
Churches must articulate their stance on MAID, emphasizing the sanctity of life, the redemptive nature of suffering, and the importance of faith over fear. Addressing the doctrine of grief and caregiving is crucial, as is providing tangible support to those enduring illness. Churches must foster open dialogues, allowing members to express their feelings about MAID without fear of judgment or spiritual bypassing—where superficial positivity replaces authentic emotional engagement.
Impact on Families and Health Workers
The decision to choose MAID can have profound, lifelong effects on families and healthcare workers, often leading to trauma and moral injury. Churches should approach this topic with compassion, acknowledging the deep emotions it stirs. Harsh judgment can alienate those grieving the loss of a loved one to MAID, potentially pushing them away from the church community.
Promoting Substitute Decision-Makers
In a medical crisis, feelings of isolation can make MAID seem viable. Encouraging the designation of substitute decision-makers is important for one to feel connected to caring people and to alleviate stress in loved ones at a challenging time. If individuals feel supported by others, they are less likely to feel alone in their suffering. In this context, other options besides MAID look more acceptable.
Christians should never feel they are a bother to each other. Caring is intrinsic to the church. We forget that there are two parts to this equation. To be willing to care and to be willing to be cared for are equally important and honored by God. When we include caring people in our health directives, we not only show humility but also care in alleviating stress from second-guessing loved ones and health professionals in the future.
In Conclusion
God calls Christians to face mortality with faith, not fear. This article invites you to prepare yourself and your church for more profound trust in God and a commitment to discipleship.
“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer; if one is honored, all rejoice together.”
I Corinthians 12:25-26; ESV