MAID in the U.S. vs. Canada: What You Need to Know

We are often asked how our medical aid in dying (MAID) law here in Vermont differs from the MAID laws in Canada. An article in the September issue of The Atlantic magazine entitled, “Canada is Killing Itself” spurred a great deal of debate about the practice of MAID in Canada and the US and heightened the need for accurate information about how our two countries differ in their legal and ethical approaches to this end-of-life care option. 

Our colleagues at The Completed Life Initiative (CLI) have provided the infographic below that clearly outlines the differences. You can also read Differentiating Medical Aid in Dying in the U.S. and Canada, a Q & A with CLI Senior Advisor David Hoffman. We’re grateful to them for sharing this information with us and hope you find it helpful in better understanding the laws of both the US and Canada. 

The United States public is in dire need of more fact-based information to develop sound policies and support individuals in making their own informed health care choices. Patient Choices Vermont exists to fill this need and, with your ongoing support, we’ll continue to be here for you and all who seek our support and expertise. ​