Recently The National Post published an article about an academic paper that imagined a change to organ donation in the context of medical assistance in dying (MAID). The paper was investigating the possibility of reconsidering the dead donor rule as regards organ donation and MAID. The scenarios the article focused on were entirely theoretical. It discusses a hypothetical ethical proposal and does not reflect current practice at Ontario Health – Trillium Gift of Life Network, nor at any organ donation organization in Canada. 

In Canada, organ donation after a medically assisted death is legal, but it can be logistically complex. Most organ donations require MAID happens in or near a hospital so that organ recovery can occur shortly after death, though this varies by region. In Ontario, for example, there is an out-of-hospital MAID pathway for lung donation in carefully reviewed patients where medically appropriate. An individual’s specifics would need to be discussed with their health care providers. 

To avoid conflict of interest, the decision to pursue MAID must be made before donation is discussed, and separate teams are involved. Not everyone is eligible, but your health care team can explain your specific options.  Patient autonomy should continue to be respected, within the careful safeguards in place for organ donation and MAID. 

Dying With Dignity Canada has not discussed the theoretical hypothesis the article presents and is not aware of it being an issue of interest or consideration in any MAID contexts across the country.  

Dying With Dignity Canada’s organizational focus is on ensuring equitable access to MAID for people across Canada, and in continuing to advocate for changes to the legislation including advance requests for MAID.