How is MAID Administered in Canada? My Experience — Your Learnings

When my mom told me she was pursuing MAiD — Medical Assistance in Dying — it felt like my world stopped. My mom had been living with 16 chronic illnesses, including stage 4 COPD, and every day was a battle for her. Yet, hearing her decision made me confront something I didn’t fully understand: how is MAiD administered in Canada?

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re asking the same question. Maybe it’s for yourself or a loved one. Either way, it can feel overwhelming to face the unknown. I hope by sharing my mom’s experience and what I’ve learned, I can make this process a little less intimidating.

MAiD exists to provide a safe, compassionate, and dignified way for people like my mom to take control of their final chapter. Understanding how MAiD is administered in Canada helps to demystify the process, bringing clarity and, hopefully, comfort.

What is MAiD?

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is a process where a doctor or nurse practitioner helps someone end their life, but only at that person’s explicit request. In Canada, there are two ways MAiD can be administered:

1. Clinician-administered MAiD, where a medical professional delivers medication intravenously to end life peacefully.

2. Self-administered MAiD, where the individual takes prescribed oral medication themselves.

At its heart, MAiD is about dignity and autonomy. It offers people like my mom and grandma — those facing unbearable suffering — the choice to make their own decision.

How is MAID Administered in Canada?

When someone chooses MAID, every step is handled with care and respect. The process begins with a request, but it involves several safeguards to ensure the person is making an informed and voluntary

decision.

Here’s how it works:

1. Formal Request: The person must make a written request to their doctor or nurse practitioner.

2. Eligibility Assessment: Two independent medical practitioners assess the individual to confirm they meet all legal criteria.

3. Reflection Period: There’s a mandatory waiting period to allow time for reflection before MAID is administered.

Once approved, the actual administration can take place either in a clinical setting or at home. My mom chose to be at home, surrounded by her family. That was important to her — to be in a familiar space, with the people she loved most.

For clinician-administered MAiD, a doctor or nurse practitioner typically uses intravenous medication. It’s a peaceful process, carefully overseen to ensure comfort. Self-administered MAiD, while less common, involves oral medication that the person takes themselves.

Who is Eligible for MAiD in Canada?

Eligibility for MAiD is strictly regulated to ensure it’s reserved for those who need it most. To qualify, a person must:

• Have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, meaning a serious, incurable illness or disability that causes significant suffering.

• Experience intolerable suffering that cannot be relieved in a way they find acceptable.

• Be capable of making decisions about their care and provide informed consent voluntarily.

My mom’s stage 4 COPD was one of her many conditions. Breathing was an exhausting fight, and her quality of life had deteriorated to a point where she felt ready to make this choice.

It’s important to note that substitute decision-makers (like family members) cannot make this decision for someone. The person requesting MAID must be capable of making their own choice.

Where Can MAiD Take Place?

MAiD in Canada can be administered in a variety of settings, depending on the individual’s preferences:

• A hospital or healthcare facility

• A palliative care center

• At home

For my mom, being at home was essential. She wanted her final moments to feel familiar and personal, where my grandmother wanted to have her MAiD procedure done at the hospital. MAiD is designed to respect those wishes, wherever they might take place.

Oversight and Safeguards

Canada’s MAiD program has strict safeguards in place to ensure it’s carried out ethically and compassionately. These include:

• Multiple assessments to confirm eligibility

• Documentation and reporting requirements

• Procedural guidelines to protect vulnerable individuals

Oversight varies by province and territory, but the goal is always the same: to provide a safe and respectful process.

Why Understanding MAiD Matters

When my mom first told me she wanted to pursue MAiD, I was scared. I didn’t understand how it worked or what to expect. Learning how MAiD is administered in Canada brought me a sense of peace. It showed me that this wasn’t about giving up; it was about making an empowered choice.

For my mom, MAiD wasn’t a loss. It was her way of taking the final control back on her body — her illnesses and diseases wouldn't have the final say.

If you or a loved one are exploring this process, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions — sadness, fear, even relief. What’s important is to approach it with an open heart and a willingness to learn.

Final Thoughts

MAiD is a deeply personal decision. It’s about dignity, compassion, and honouring someone’s right to choose their own ending. Understanding how MAiD is administered in Canada can help make the process feel less daunting and more approachable.

If you’re navigating this for yourself or someone you love, I hope this article helps you feel more informed and less alone. MAiD isn’t just a medical procedure; it’s a testament to the power of autonomy and love, even in life’s most challenging moments.