Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Medical Aid in Dying: Emerging Challenges and Future Directions

On February 11, 2025, my AADM ethics consult colleague Yvette Vieira, MMH, HEC-C, joins Columbia University Division of Ethics Chief Sandra Soo-Jin Lee, PhD, to discuss the ethical implications of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Register here.  

Medical aid in dying (MAID) is legal in 11 US jurisdictions, with 19 additional states considering legislation. If successful, nearly 50% of the population would have access to this end-of-life option. This discussion overviews the US landscape and laws before addressing contentious ethical challenges: 

• Do institutional policies restricting MAiD participation create barriers to autonomous end-of-life choices and perpetuate healthcare disparities? 
• Is it ethical for patients to access MAiD through Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking for non-terminal conditions? 
• Should those with significant psychiatric conditions access MAiD without a terminal diagnosis? 

Later the same day, I am discussing MAID at Washington & Lee University with Mara Buchbinder and Terri Laws here.