Peter A Bamber

Feb 25, 2024 | bmj.com | Peter A Bamber

Dear EditorIn her response to Tessa Richards’ article, Teresa Lynch reminds us that the primary function of Parliament is to protect the public. Protect from what? I hope that Parliament will consider protection from unbearable suffering within its remit. Palliative care can do much and could do more if better funded, but its interventions, though important and often very beneficial, cannot prevent all distress, especially the mental distress of loss of faculties and of dignity.

Feb 6, 2024 | bmj.com | Tessa Richards |Peter A Bamber |James Walker

Dear EditorThe Fourth Annual Report on Medical assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Canada in 2022 revealed that those 13,102 Canadians who ended their lives under Maid, the vast majority cited the “loss of ability to engage in meaningful life activities” as the reason for wanting to die. But other responses have troubled healthcare experts. More than one-third of respondents said their decision was, in part, informed by a feeling they were a perceived burden on family, friends or caregivers.