Medical assistance in dying and its impact on clergy who have accompanied patients through the procedure

Abstract

This Phenomenological Research study examines data revealed through the lens of clergy who have accompanied patients through Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) procedures. Through a series of one on one interviews, this study seeks to reveal the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual impacts of said participation on those interviewed. Six clergy were interviewed – four of whom serve full-time in congregational ministry, one of whom serves full-time as an ecumenical hospital chaplain, and one of whom serves both in congregational ministry as well as in hospital and hospice chaplaincy. Though there were some differences revealed between the experiences of congregational-based clergy and those of hospital or hospice-based clergy, five main themes were revealed. First is that to be invited to walk with someone on their journey toward MAiD is an incredible honour and privilege. Second, critical to the clergy persons experience with a given patient were the primary reasons the patient had chosen MAiD; particularly, when it appeared a patient were choosing MAiD to alleviate existential suffering, the participants found the situation more difficult and questioned their roles in the procedure. Third, a great deal of silence and secrecy surrounds MAiD, so open dialogue on the subject is rare in our churches and the people who choose MAiD often do so in secrecy from their community, friends, and even family. Fourth, clergy tend to feel alone in their experiences, unable to debrief properly with a trusted confidante. Fifth, participants felt called to advocacy work on the subject of MAiD. The phenomenon of MAiD is so new, and the subject is so complicated, that this study only reveals the tip of the iceburg in terms of the wisdom that clergy can bring to discussions on the subject and to our evolving relationship with the procedure.