Medical Assistance in Dying: Maid to Order

Kathrin Mentler wasn't in a good space and went to Vancouver General Hospital to get some help. She'd been thinking about harming herself and the doctor asked if she had ever considered asking for medical assistance in dying.  MAID is a program in Canada that allows terminally ill people the option of dying in a controlled environment.  

Kathrin was shocked.  She had come to the hospital for help in staying alive, not help in planning her death.  To think that death was being offered as a choice along with aspirin and bed rest seemed not only uncaring but also defeatist.  The hospital offered an apology, along with an explanation that shows health care systems worldwide are all a bit messed up.