B.C. Woman Offered Medically Assisted Death Before Treatment Options, Recovers to Climb Volcano
When Miriam Lancaster, an 84-year-old resident of British Columbia, was rushed by ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital in April 2025 with severe lower back pain, the last thing on her mind was ending her life. She had suffered a fractured sacrum, a serious break in the bone at the base of her spine connected to the pelvis. However, according to Lancaster and her daughter, Jordan Weaver, a doctor in the emergency department quickly raised the option of medically assisted death (MAID) before discussing other treatments.
"We Can Offer You MAID": A Shocking Proposal
Weaver recounted the incident, stating, "The doctor came in and said, 'Miriam, I understand you’re in a lot of pain. We can offer you MAID.' Just like that." The family, who are practicing Catholics, firmly rejected the suggestion, emphasizing they would never consider MAID under any circumstances. Only after this refusal did the doctor mention rehabilitation as an alternative, though with warnings about its difficulty and uncertain outcomes.
Lancaster chose the challenging path of rehab. She spent 10 days at Vancouver General Hospital, followed by over three weeks in a rehabilitation program at UBC Hospital. Her recovery was remarkable: within six weeks of the fracture, she walked her daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Later, she traveled to Cuba, Mexico, and most notably, in February, she journeyed to Guatemala, where she climbed the Pacaya Volcano on foot and horseback.
A Life of Vitality and Value
Weaver described her mother as a dynamic and active individual who reads books, attends theatre, uses public transportation independently, and leads a full life. "My mother is not frail. She climbed a volcano in Guatemala," Weaver said. "Her life is valuable to the people who care for her." In a video posted on social media, Lancaster expressed her shock at the MAID offer, stating, "That was the last thing on my mind. I just wanted to find out why I was in pain. I did not want to die."
Growing Debate Over MAID Discussions in Healthcare
This case highlights an ongoing debate in medical ethics regarding whether doctors should initiate unsolicited discussions about MAID. Alberta is moving to prohibit such practices under its proposed Last Resort Termination of Life Act. Dr. Ramona Coelho, a member of the Ontario Chief Coroner's MAID death review committee, commented in a recent letter to the British Medical Journal, noting that while many MAID providers act in good faith, there is concern that systemic pressures might lead to offering death before comprehensive care, potentially undermining medicine's commitment to healing.
The video of Lancaster's story, shared by euthanasia opponent Amanda Achtman, has garnered over 312,000 views, sparking widespread discussion about patient rights and medical decision-making. Lancaster's journey from a hospital bed to a volcanic summit serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the importance of prioritizing life-affirming treatments in healthcare.
