Chronically ill individuals are increasingly turning to medical assistance in dying (MAID) as a means of achieving a dignified death. This raises the question: why can't we prioritize providing them with a dignified life instead? The author, who has lived with Type 1 diabetes and long COVID, reflects on the story of Kiano Vafaeian, a 26-year-old granted MAID due to his deteriorating health and mental struggles. The author argues that the rules surrounding MAID are often unfair, as they differ based on the nature of one's illness. In Canada, MAID is legally available for terminally ill patients whose natural deaths are foreseeable, but the criteria for Track 2 MAID, which applies to those whose deaths are not foreseeable, are more ambiguous and controversial. The author highlights the loneliness and challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the need for better support systems and healthcare accommodations. They discuss the concept of 'crip time', which challenges the societal emphasis on productivity and continuity, and advocate for a more compassionate and patient approach to healthcare for the chronically ill. The author concludes by questioning the dignity of MAID compared to living with a compromised body in an able-bodied world, and expresses a desire for a society that prioritizes the dignified accommodation of those with chronic illnesses.
