The sentiment that an individual needs to be treated not as a thing defined by the label of a condition they have but as the individual they are is a trend in most areas of our society. Medical practice is an arena in which this progressive thinking is lagging.

During my recent stay, several people in the hospital were also terminally ill. According to the criteria, I would not qualify for medical aid in dying, but they did. They shared with me that they wished they least had the option for MAID.