What additional safeguard is necessary for a patient to receive medical assistance in dying when death is not reasonably foreseeable?

In cases where a patient's death is not reasonably foreseeable, an additional safeguard involves a minimum three-month waiting period during the assessment process. This 90-day timeframe is designed to ensure thorough consideration and assessment of the patient’s medical condition, mental state, and the implications of their decision regarding medical assistance in dying.

This measure is particularly important because it provides a structured approach for healthcare providers to evaluate the patient’s request in depth, allowing for the exploration of underlying factors that could influence their wish to end their life. It helps to confirm that the request is informed and voluntary, added to the ethical considerations of ensuring that patients are not making hastily decided choices in vulnerable moments.

This safeguard aligns with the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, ensuring that patients truly understand their options and the consequences of their choice. The minimum waiting period serves to reinforce the seriousness of the decision and allows for potential alternatives, such as palliative care, to be fully explored with the patient.