~ Some of the Dangers of Canada’s MAID (Assisted Suicide) Program ~
The recent expansion of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program has raised serious concerns among conservative Christians. This program, which allows individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities to end their lives with the assistance of a medical professional, violates the sanctity of life and goes against the teachings of the Bible.
From a Christian standpoint, life is a precious gift from God and should be protected from conception until natural death. The Bible clearly states that God is the giver and taker of life (Deuteronomy 32:39), and that we are to honor and protect the lives He has created (Genesis 9:6). By allowing individuals to choose to end their lives prematurely, the MAID program undermines the value of human life and disregards God’s sovereignty over our lives.
Moreover, the expansion of the MAID program to include individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities sends a dangerous message that their lives are not worth living. This mindset devalues the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, regardless of their physical or mental condition. As Christians, we believe that every life has purpose and meaning, and that we are called to support and care for the most vulnerable among us (Matthew 25:40).
Furthermore, the MAID program raises concerns about the potential for abuse and coercion. There is a risk that individuals may feel pressured to choose assisted death due to financial strain, lack of support, or fear of being a burden on their loved ones. This is particularly concerning for those who are vulnerable or marginalized, such as the poor, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
What happens if an elderly patient needs special care—expensive care—and the family cannot afford it? Will they be pressured into subjecting their loved one to the MAID program? What happens if teens and young people are given the legal right to make the decision for themselves without parental consent? What happens if mental health gets included? And…how—EXACTLY—does the patient die?
I took a beloved pet in to be euthanized several years ango and held her while the injection was administered. My dog, Wrinkles, struggled for 10 minutes. The agent that paralyzed her didn’t work perfectly, so I had to watch as she twitched and shook in obvious agony while the injection slowly killed her. And while it was extremely traumatic for me, I cannot begin to grasp how much that dog must have suffered. The vet said that was unusual, but not unheard of as the paralytic agent is supposed to mask any signs that the death might be painful!
According to Kelsi Sheren, a recent guest on Jordon Peterson’s show, there is a similar protocol for the MAID program. As part of every injection, a paralytic agent is given to mask the extended suffering the patient might go through from their loved ones. More troubling is her allegation that patients slowly “drown to death” from fluid that builds up in their lungs, a process she compares to prolonged water boarding. My dog took ten long minutes to die. These patients may fight much longer than that inside their paralyzed bodies. See The Horrifying Truth Behind MAID They Aren’t Telling You.
In conclusion, the MAID protocol can be compared to the Nazi program to get rid of the elderly, the disabled, and those for who life has become “difficult.” Any program—whether pet euthanasia or assisted death for humans—that requires a paralytic, does so to hide the potential horrible suffering and the struggle to live from loved ones. What loved ones are told is a peaceful, painless death may be prolonged torture for the paralyzed patient.
As conservative Christians, we must stand firm in our belief that life is sacred and should be protected at all costs. The MAID program, which promotes a culture of death and devalues human life, is a dangerous and misguided policy that goes against the teachings of our faith. We must advocate for policies that prioritize the dignity and worth of every human being and provide support and resources for those facing difficult circumstances.
Photo by Alexander Grey for Unsplash.
