Medical Aid in Dying

One of the most pertinent moral debates of modern medicine involves the growing, yet controversial practice of medical aid in dying (also referred to as “MAID”). This project aims to accurately define medical aid in dying and explore the ethical implications of this practice. We will provide a summary of popular arguments supporting and opposing MAID within moral, social, and religious contexts. Additionally, we will examine the practice of MAID in the state of Oregon, where it has been legally permissive since 1997 with the passage of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. We will describe the history of MAID practices in Oregon in addition to surveying current demographic and statistical data related to this practice from 2021. In summary, the result of this research effort will provide an overview of the highly disputed practice of medical aid in dying, including common arguments in support and opposition of the practice, as well as a more detailed look at the history, legality, and current practice of MAID in the state of Oregon