A Conversation About MAID with Ken Bell
In this episode of Rector’s Cupboard, Allison, Amanda, and Ken sit down for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about MAID — Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. Drawing on Ken’s work as a Spiritual Health Practitioner at Lions Gate Hospital, we explore what MAID actually is, how the process works, and why it remains such a difficult and emotional topic for many people, especially within faith communities.
Along the way, we talk about suffering, grief, agency, palliative care, and what it means to accompany people through death with compassion and dignity. Ken shares stories from his work with patients and families navigating end-of-life decisions, reflecting on the sacredness, tension, and beauty that can exist even in the hardest moments.
This isn’t a debate episode or an attempt to land on easy answers. Instead, it’s an honest conversation about mortality, care, faith, and how we show up for one another when life becomes fragile.
References:
If you’d like to do some more reading on MAID in Canada, Ken suggests the following resources.
This is Assisted Dying, Dr. Stefanie Green (2022) A memoir by a Canadian physician at the forefront of MAID, exploring her experiences and the decisions behind the practice.
The Last Doctor: Lessons in Living from the Front Lines of Medical Assistance in Dying, Dr. Jean Marmoreo and Johanna Schneller (2023) Follows one of Canada’s first MAID practitioners, providing stories of patients and families.
Unravelling MAID in Canada, Edited by Ramona Coelho and Trudo Lummens (2025) A collection of perspectives from experts exploring the expansion and ethical, legal, and social implications of the practice.
The Many Faces of MAID: What to Expect When Someone You Know Chooses Medical Assistance in Dying, Cynthia Clark and Carol Cram (2023) A resource for families, friends, and caregivers dealing with the emotions surrounding a loved one’s decision.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Activity Book, KidsGrief.ca, a specialized guide designed to help children understand and navigate the experience of having a loved one choose MAID.
Sixth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, Government of Canada (November 2025) The annual report on MAID that outlines MAID requests, assessments, and provisions across Canada in 2024.