Quebec’s Advance Requests for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Face Challenges on First Anniversary
Quebec’s milestone first anniversary of authorizing advance requests for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) on Oct. 30, 2025, is overshadowed by concerns raised by the Association québécoise pour le droit de mourir dans la dignité (AQDMD). The AQDMD expresses apprehension about the impact of the Legault government’s new law, which ties a portion of physicians’ compensation to performance indicators, emphasizing the lengthy and intricate nature of the advance request process.
Dr. Georges L’Espérance, President of AQDMD, voiced worries about the time-consuming process, stating that many healthcare providers are hesitant to engage due to the significant time investment required. The passing of Bill 2 under Health Minister Christian Dubé’s leadership, which links doctors’ performance to patient volume, has drawn criticism from the AQDMD.
The AQDMD highlights the challenges faced by patients and healthcare professionals in navigating the complex advance request system, particularly in certain regions where access to MAID may be limited. Despite the submission of 1,676 advance MAID requests by Oct. 16, with 1,511 approvals, concerns about the process’s complexity persist.
Furthermore, the AQDMD stresses the need for amendments to the Criminal Code to provide legal protection for healthcare professionals involved in MAID. While Quebec has taken steps to safeguard physicians and nurse practitioners from prosecution, the association urges the federal government to enact changes to ensure uniformity across Canadian provinces.
