Is ‘medical aid in dying’ an ethical, moral choice?

Is ‘medical aid in dying’ an ethical, moral choice?
By Richard Feldman, MD, Columnist
Courier & Press (Evansville, IN)
December 11, 2023
One of my best friends, Jim, in South Bend died of an unusual intestinal cancer. This experience moved me to explore the issue of “medical aid in dying,” or MAID. Is MAID ethical and moral? Is it the right and justified choice for some individuals? After a time, unfortunately, Jim’s cancer progressed with a vengeance leaving him with extensive intestinal obstructions. Further chemo would be of little help, and further surgery was impossible. Toward the end, my friend couldn’t receive any real nutrition and could only tolerate water. He lost 65 pounds in 10 weeks and was essentially skin over bone. Jim was Catholic and religious. He was a splendid husband and father to his nine children. He worked hard, was responsible, and was a good citizen. He was a good man. The best. When I last saw him, I told him that I envied both his courage and his faith. Jim had no doubt that in passing, he was entering the next phase of his life and that he would be with God. Jim’s character and faith sustained him. His religious beliefs would not allow him to consider anything but a natural death. So, he never would have considered MAID. And of course, it’s not legal in Indiana. ... Although unmanageable symptoms despite optimal hospice care is a reason to utilize MAID, autonomy and maintaining dignity are the primary reasons MAID is chosen. These patients want control, without dependence on others for care. ... MAID is controversial, but dynamic, in the medical community. ... Although it will be a long time before Indiana considers MAID legislation, the majority of the Americans support MAID for terminal illness. Is MAID a slippery slope, an unconscionable act, or a caring act of compassion? Difficult questions.