A professor of family medicine at UBC conducted an informal survey of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) service providers and found that only 14% of applicants are turned down. Of those, the reasons are inability to make the decision (39%), natural death wasn't imminent (36%) or patient mental health (10%). She explained the rationale for a MAiD application was typically because of:
- Loss of ability (30%);
- Suffering related to illness (28%); and
- Desire for autonomy (18%).
While most survey respondents (family, care providers) related a positive MAiD experience, the researcher stated that for people on the margins of society, the service is either unknown to them or dismissed as an option. For example, drug users, who struggle to access healthcare due to the perceived stigma attached to their addiction, told the researcher that they'd like to know more about their options for end-of-life care.