Lessons learned about MAiD from a Catholic healthcare perspective

As a Catholic healthcare organization, Covenant Health and the Covenant family of institutions in Alberta does not provide Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). However, given its significant palliative and hospice bed base, it responds on average once per week to persons in their care requesting MAiD, requiring Covenant to balance the rights of individuals exploring this legally available option without compromising on its institutional identity and ethical integrity. The article details Covenant's advocacy role with government and public messaging, demonstrating how balancing the rights of all is not only necessary, but possible. The article provides recommendations for both provider and non-provider sites alike to ensure appropriate safeguards, quality control, and longitudinal study, given the unprecedented impact MAiD has had on the national landscape, underscoring there are lessons learned for all to benefit.