CAMAP Statement on Recent Coverage of MAiD in Canada by The Atlantic

We are disappointed by the framing of The Atlantic’s recent article on MAiD in Canada. The author’s portrayal of this complex and deeply personal area of healthcare leans heavily on sensationalism rather than balanced reporting, misleads readers about the realities of MAiD and the work of those who provide it, and uses inflammatory language to make sloppy comparisons to justify its biased reporting.

Contrary to the implications of the article, MAiD in Canada is governed by rigorous safeguards enshrined in federal law. Every request must undergo a thorough medical assessment by two independent medical clinicians. The rare, edge-case scenarios highlighted in media coverage do not reflect the reality for the vast majority of Canadians who seek MAiD, nor the clinicians who provide it with professionalism and compassion.

As a non-profit organization, the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers exists to educate, support, and connect healthcare professionals working in MAiD in Canada. Our mission is to ensure that clinicians have the education, training, and resources they need to provide this care safely, ethically, and in accordance with Canadian law.

This article aims to invoke distress rather than empathy, unease rather than understanding. That it was published in its current state is a damning indictment of The Atlantic’s lack of standards more than anything else. MAiD is, and remains, a highly regulated medical service in Canada—one rooted in patient choice, clinical expertise, and strict oversight.