Misinformation About MAiD
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is one of the most discussed—and misunderstood—areas of healthcare in Canada. Patients and families often come across claims online, in the media, or through word of mouth that are incomplete, misleading, or simply incorrect.
We’ve created this resource as a practical, easy-to-use reference for those who want clear, accurate information about MAiD—and support in responding to misinformation when it arises. Whether you’re answering question, preparing for a conversation, or trying to make sense of something you’ve seen or heard, you’ll find corrections to the most common MAiD misinformation here.
Below, you’ll find:
Common MAiD misinformation topics
Resources to help recognize misinformation
Practical tips for responding
No. This claim was spread by anti-MAiD organizations and is not based on any factual information. The medications used for MAiD are used everyday in hospitals around the world for surgery and in Intensive Care Units. There is no indication whatsoever that they cause fluid to enter the lungs.
Our Coverage:
You Do Not Drown to Death - MAiD in Canada
The Horrifying Misinformation about MAiD Jordan Peterson and Kelsi Sheren Want You to Believe - YouTube
Other Resources:
Dr. Stefanie Green disproves content in anti-MAID video - Dying with Dignity Canada
Outcomes of lung transplantation from organ donation after medical assistance in dying: First North American experience - American Journal Of Transplant
No. The first medication given is a sedative that makes the person relaxed and sleepy. The second places them into a deep medical coma. Then a medication is given that paralyses the diaphragm, stopping breathing. This causes death. Because the person is in a deep medical coma first (deeper than during surgery), they are not aware of anything and are not experiencing any pain or suffering.
Our Coverage:
The MAiD Medications - MAiD in Canada
The Horrifying Misinformation about MAiD Jordan Peterson and Kelsi Sheren Want You to Believe - YouTube
Other Resources:
Dr. Stefanie Green disproves content in anti-MAID video - Dying with Dignity Canada
No. This has been reported in states like Oregon and Washington in America, but they use very different MAiD protocols than we use in Canada. In those states, the person takes the medication home and swallows it when they are ready, often without medical support. In Canada, almost all MAiD medications are given by a doctor or nurse practitioner by injection into a vein (IV). A few people each year choose oral medication. Those that choose oral medication are given the IV medication if they haven’t died after 60-90 minutes. In all cases, the doctor or nurse practitioner stays with the patient until death is confirmed.
Our Coverage:
Time to death (IV versus oral medication) - MAiD in Canada
Other Resources:
Dr. Stefanie Green disproves content in anti-MAID video - Dying with Dignity Canada
No. Like most health care options, MAiD is more easily accessed by people from wealthy, more advantaged neighbourhoods. Steps are taken by the MAiD assessors to ensure a MAiD request is being made as a result of a medical condition that is causing intolerable suffering, and not because of social conditions such as poverty, housing insecurity, or lack of resources.
Our Coverage:
Recent Reports on MAiD Contradict Claims that Marginalization Drives Assisted Dying in Canada - MAiD in Canada
Other Resources:
Fifth Annual Report on MAiD - Health Canada
The Ontario Chief Coroner's reports are clear - alarm about MAID in Canada isn't warranted - James Downer and Jocelyn Downie (Value Judgements - Substack)
No. The federal government did not simply decide to legalize MAiD. It was required to do so following the Carter decision. The purpose of legalizing MAiD was to respect the autonomy of individuals experiencing intolerable suffering at the end of life—not to reduce costs. Estimates of any potential savings suggest they represent no more than about 0.035% of total healthcare spending.
Our Coverage:
Is This the Most Irresponsible Paper About MAiD Ever Published? - MAiD in Canada
Other Resources: