FAQ

The terms “dying with dignity” and “medical assistance in dying” are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. The concept of dying with dignity – and of dignity in general – is highly personal; it differs from one person to the next. A dignified death does not exclusively refer to a medically assisted death. Rather, it can include access to quality palliative care, or any other number of dignified options.  

Medical assistance in dying is the name of Canada’s assisted dying legislation. It refers to the administering of medications by a physician or nurse practitioner that – at the person’s request – causes their death; or the prescribing of medications by a physician or nurse practitioner that a person can take to cause their own death. 

Dying With Dignity Canada empowers Canadians and defends their rights so they can navigate the dying process in a way that reflects their values and wishes. Learn more about medical assistance in dying.

No. Dying With Dignity Canada can help you navigate your end-of-life options, but we are unable to determine your eligibility for MAID. We encourage you to contact your health care provider for more personal support. Read about navigating a request for medical assistance in dying in your area.

The substances used during a medical assistance in dying (MAID) provision do not harm organs. Logistically, organ donation following an assisted death would need to happen in a hospital that is able to recover organs (not all hospitals are able to do this). The death would also have to happen close to the operating room. 
 
If a person wants to donate organs after MAID, they will need to go through several tests beforehand. Each province and territory are different, but these tests could include chest x-rays and multiple blood tests. 
 
We encourage you to have a discussion with your health care team to learn more about this option. 

The process varies slightly depending on which province or territory you are located. Please visit our Navigating a request for MAID section to learn more. 

In Canada, the right to die with help from a physician or nurse practitioner is known as medical assistance in dying, or MAID. Other terms used include assisted dying or physician-assisted death. We do not use the terms assisted suicide or euthanasia because they stigmatize people who are suffering intolerably and want to access their right to a peaceful death. Suicide is a desperate act of self-harm, while medical assistance in dying is a legal, federally regulated end-of-life choice, driven by hope and autonomy. However, these terms may be used in other jurisdictions around the world. 

Dying With Dignity Canada does not encourage, support, nor provide the information or means to end a life. Our Support team provides useful, up-to-date information about assisted dying, patient rights, and end-of-life care. If you are in distress, please contact Crisis Services at 1-833-456-4566. 

According to a statement made by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, if a person follows the legislated process for medical assistance in dying, then their death will not be considered a “suicide.”  

Therefore, having an assisted death should not affect a patient’s life insurance. It is always important for people to confirm this with their life insurance carrier directly. 

Very few jurisdictions in the world permit MAID for non-residents, but Switzerland is one country that does allow this.

The provision of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in most of Canada is by intravenous administration of a series of medications. The first medication is used as a sedative, the second puts the individual into a deep coma, and the third ultimately stops the person’s heart. For more on the medications used, please visit our Myths & Facts page.

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) for those whose sole underlying condition is a mental disorder (MD-SUMC) includes conditions that are primarily within the domain of psychiatry, such as depression and personality disorders. It does not include neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders, nor other conditions that may affect cognitive abilities. To be clear, neurocognitive disorders such as dementia, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s are not considered mental illnesses and are not included in the temporary restriction as directed in Bill C-7 in March 2021. People with neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dementia, can currently qualify for MAID, if they meet all the criteria.