Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Journal

Cureus

DOI

10.7759/cureus.104134

PMID

41909282

PMCID

PMC13021265

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-23-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Medical aid in dying (MAiD) is a practice in which a healthcare professional provides assistance to a terminally ill patient seeking to end their life. To assess how academic discourse may shape public opinion and policy in the United States, we conducted a narrative review of the literature published between 2020 and 2024. Articles were categorized as supportive, opposing, or neutral, and patterns were examined across authorship, disciplinary focus, and target populations. Our findings reveal that most recent publications adopt supportive or neutral stances toward MAiD, with a slight increase in opposition beginning in 2022. Authorship discipline strongly influenced position, with legal journals disproportionately supportive and religious journals more frequently opposed. Arguments favoring MAiD emphasized autonomy and relief of suffering, whereas opposing articles highlighted risks to vulnerable populations and potential harm. Academic literature contributes significantly to shaping the national conversation around MAiD and may influence evolving societal attitudes and policy development regarding end-of-life options.

Keywords

active and passive euthanasia, end-of-life ethics, maid, medical-aid-in-dying, medical-assistance-in-dying

Published Open-Access

yes

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