MAID Puts Patients at Risk - So What?

Across the globe advocates are debating whether or how to authorize MAID legislation. The debates are happening in London, Edinburgh, Dover, Sacramento, and dozens more national or state capitols. One theme prevalent in opponent testimony and statements is "MAID puts __ at risk." Those put at risk might be the elderly, those with anorexia, those with mental illness, and more.   

This argument is utterly trite and useless. Of course MAID puts people at risk. The very existence of an option creates risk that it might be misused. But that is true of every other healthcare therapy. The wrong cancer medications might be prescribed to the wrong patient or in the wrong dose. But we continue to prescribe. 

Even beyond healthcare, risk is pervasive in other life options. It's true of most everything in life. For example, taking the schoolchildren in a field trip to the zoo or beach exposes them to the risk of a road accident. But we still do all these things.

MAID advocates are just as interested in patient safety as MAID opponents. So, if opponents want to meaningfully contribute to debates, please (1) quantify the risk, and (2) develop ways to mitigate it.