Thread by @GibtrotterMD

I'm an MD who performs medical assistance in death #MAiD in Canada. I have strong concerns. If we don’t cover basic necessities in our health and social care systems, we shouldn't be offering death as an alternative. @CanadianPM @theJagmeetSingh @JusticeCanadaEN @MinJusticeEn 1/6

Track 2 #MAiD patients, those without a life-limiting illness but with subjective suffering they feel is overwhelming. Much of their suffering is due to a lack of social care – affordable, accessible housing. Adequate disability income. Medications and ancillary care covered. 2/6

#MAiD is a humane, dignified process. It’s not imposed, it's regulated. It’s not eugenics, coerced, or culling. But I can’t blame people for this perception. They aren’t getting help they need but know MAiD is a choice. The presumptions are wrong, but the system is wrong too. 3/6

People accessed #MAiD because they’ve given up hope that their medical and social needs will be cared for. They’re in too much pain – physical, mental, relational, existential. They feel systems don’t care. Many perceive MDs can cure most problems and relieve most symptoms. 4/6

My biggest concern is failure to provide adequate mental health services. We offer meds and piecemeal therapy - varies by province, most long wait-lists and limited modalities. Certain somatic/bilat therapies can cure #PTSD #trauma #ComplexTrauma yet the price is preclusive. 5/6

Until comprehensive social care, mental health treatments, a guaranteed income, pharmacare, and a housing strategy exists – the slippery slope of #MAiD should concern us all. There's ethical obligation to enhance our systems of care before we enact new legislation in 2023. 6/6

I’m on the clock app and have made a few videos there too. vm.tiktok.com/ZMNokHSKA/ and vm.tiktok.com/ZMNokMJgY/ are worth a look. Also speak to this issue in my book ModernTrauma.com