Dr. Kirk Honda discusses the ethics of physician-assisted suicide and Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), particularly when requests are based on severe psychological suffering rather than terminal physical illness. He reviews current laws in the United States, Canada, and several European countries, examines high-profile cases that received international media attention, and explores the challenges of balancing autonomy, suffering, treatment possibilities, and public safety. July 6, 2026

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/KIRK to get 10% off your first month.

00:00 What is the current landscape of MAID? 27:08 Does the media sensationalize these cases?

43:13 Why do we avoid the reality of aging?

Support us by... Become a member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUZWV1DRtHtpP2H48S7iiw/join
Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/PsychologyInSeattle

Contact us/more info... Email: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/contact
About Dr. Kirk: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/about-dr-kirk-honda
Website: https://www.psychologyinseattle.com

Get stuff... Merch: https://psychologyinseattle-shop.fourthwall.com/
KIRKgram (like Cameo): https://www.psychologyinseattle.com/kirkgram

The Psychology In Seattle Podcast ®

Trigger Warning: This episode may include topics such as assault, trauma, and discrimination. If necessary, listeners are encouraged to refrain from listening and care for their safety and well-being. Disclaimer: The content provided is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. Nothing here constitutes personal or professional consultation, therapy, diagnosis, or creates a counselor-client relationship. Topics discussed may generate differing points of view. If you participate (by being a guest, submitting a question, or commenting) you must do so with the knowledge that we cannot control reactions or responses from others, which may not agree with you or feel unfair. Your participation on this site is at your own risk, accepting full responsibility for any liability or harm that may result. Anything you write here may be used for discussion or endorsement of the podcast. Opinions and views expressed by the host and guest hosts are personal views. Although we take precautions and fact check, they should not be considered facts and the opinions may change. Opinions posted by participants (such as comments) are not those of the hosts. Readers should not rely on any information found here and should perform due diligence before taking any action. For a more extensive description of factors for you to consider, please see www.psychologyinseattle.com