California experienced a 6.5% rise in those utilizing its medical aid in dying law. Despite this increase, the usage is still considerably lower than in countries like Canada, where assisted dying is more prevalent. Only 346 doctors in California prescribed aid-in-dying drugs compared to a much larger population of licensed physicians. A notable portion of MAID prescriptions are left unused, indicating possible hesitation or lack of knowledge about the option among patients and medical professionals. Some medical systems do not provide MAID due to religious beliefs, further contributing to the underutilization.
In California, there was a 6.5% increase in individuals using medical aid in dying law between 2023 and 2024; however, utilization remains significantly lower than in other countries like Canada.
Despite the increase, only 346 out of approximately 150,000 licensed doctors in California prescribed aid-in-dying drugs, indicating a general reluctance in the medical community regarding MAID.
One-third of MAID prescriptions remain unused, providing peace-of-mind for patients, leading bioethicist Arthur Caplan to compare it to a form of suicide prevention.
Experts attribute low utilization rates to a lack of conversations about MAID between patients and doctors, as well as some health systems refusing to offer it on religious grounds.
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