Here are the facts:
MAID improves end-of-life care.
Studies show palliative (“comfort”) care actually improves for both
patients and families in states with medical aid in dying. Medical aid
in dying helps far more people than those who ultimately choose to use
it.
MAID gives patients complete autonomy.
The patient is always in charge. They apply for the process. They
request the medication. They take it. And they can change their mind at
any time.
Doctors support MAID.
A December 2018 Medscape survey reported that more than half (58%) of
U.S. physicians support the practice — up from 46% in
2010. Medscape is the leading online global authority for
physicians and healthcare professionals.
The American public wants MAID.
About 7 in 10 Americans favor laws making MAID legal. That is the
consensus of three highly respected national surveys: May 2018 Gallup
poll, September 2016 LifeWay Research poll. and November 2014 Harris
poll. The practice also claims majority support among people who attend
church, people of all ideological views (conservatives, moderates and
liberals), people from both political parties and all races and
ethnicities.
Arizonans support MAID.
In the most recent survey conducted by the Behavior Research Center of
Arizona, residents favor right-to-die legislation by 56% to 31%.
MAID laws include more than a dozen safeguards.
Two doctors must confirm that the patient has six months or less to live
— due to terminal illness, not because of age or disability. Two
doctors and two independent witnesses must attest that no coercion
exists. MAID has been safely practiced in authorized jurisdictions for a
combined 40 years. Not a single case of abuse or coercion nor any
criminal or disciplinary charges have ever been filed. Not one.
MAID includes strict eligibility requirements.
A patient must be an adult, have six months or less to live, be able to
make an informed health care decision and be able to take the
prescription medication themselves.
MAID does not place any demographic at risk.
The Journal of Medical Ethics reports that, “Rates of assisted
dying in Oregon...showed no evidence of heightened risk for the elderly,
women, the uninsured...people with low educational status, the poor,
the physically disabled or chronically ill, minors, people with
psychiatric illnesses including depression, or racial or ethnic
minorities, compared with background populations.” MAID does not
endanger the weak or the vulnerable.
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