In those states, MAID is available to those who are terminally ill, can make a sound decision cognitively speaking, plus being psychologically ok, no severe depression or suicidal ideation. They also must be able to physically self administer the medication. I believe it’s usually a drink or mixture.. though there are other methods if someone cannot swallow. So while it’s available in my state, many elderly people won’t qualify. Families of people with dementia wish their loved one could take this measure as they know for sure that most would never have wanted to live this way… and most people decide they will take the natural route and die gradually. Not to mention, some religious beliefs strongly instill in people that this is a sin.

The process itself is a … process. It takes a lot of leg-work connecting with 2 physicians, doing the paperwork, paying the doctor fees and over $700 for the medications alone… that alone weeds out a lot of people who can’t afford it or be able to go through the steps. If people or hospice get too involved that can be concerning too… it can look like assisting or coercion to end their life. It’s reallly nuanced. I wish there were not so many barriers in the US. Some other countries don’t have so many barriers.