Understanding Perspectives on MAID in Alberta

Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is one of the most complex issues in health care. 

It raises important questions about patient choice, quality of care, clinical judgement, safeguards and how end-of-life care is delivered in Alberta.

As Alberta considers provincial legislation changes through Bill 18 (Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act) it’s important to understand how physicians and Albertans view these issues.

Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has developed a report that brings together two perspectives to help inform public understanding and support informed dialogue:

• Results from a province-wide survey of physicians, conducted by AMA.
• Public opinion research, conducted by ThinkHQ with Albertans.

Together, these findings provide a picture of where opinions align, where they differ and what matters most to the physicians who provide care and the patients who receive it.

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This report does not advocate for or against MAID or Bill 18. 

Instead, it reflects the AMA’s role in understanding a range of perspectives and contributing evidence to conversations about health policy.

Several findings stand out.

Many Albertans and physicians agree that MAID should remain an available option within a system that includes appropriate safeguards and strong supports for patients. There is also broad recognition of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining trust in the health system.

At the same time, important differences in perspective exist.

Physicians are more likely to focus on how policies affect clinical practice, professional judgement and the safe delivery of care. Albertans often place more emphasis on patient choice, clear rules and protections against unintended harm.

On several key issues, including eligibility criteria, safeguards and how MAID discussions are initiated, opinions are varied and, in some cases, evenly divided.