Collaboration and research imperatives for a growing right-to-die movement.

Abstract

This commentary discusses key controversies surrounding assisted dying that have now evolved, creating further tensions and divisions among assisted dying organizations, adding to existing controversy based on ethical, political, and theological grounds-all shaping public health policy in Canada and elsewhere. The growing worldwide trend in the right-to-die movement is increasingly focusing on medical assistance in dying (MAID) with most service organizations (societies) devoted to a sanctioned, legislatively prescribed approach. While in consequence important changes have occurred in numerous countries and jurisdictions with successful challenges on the absolute prohibition to assisted dying, it is arguably the case that as many-if not more-people are still denied this controversial right to have a peaceful, reliable, and painless end of their own choosing. We examine implications of this for beneficiaries and service providers, while showing how a collaborative and strategic approach that includes all options to access a human right to determine our own end-of-life options can effectively address these tensions for the benefit of all right-to-die organizations, regardless of differences in their respective tasks, directions, and agendas, with each mutually reinforcing the work of the other. We conclude by stressing the essential need for collaboration in terms of furthering research to better understand challenges facing policymakers andbeneficiaries and potential liabilities for health professionals providing this service.