MAID and mental illness raise questions that cannot be settled by the word “choice” alone. Bioethicist Kerry Bowman helps distinguish concerns about decision-making capacity from the experience of prolonged suffering. How should protection and autonomy be weighed when someone has lived with illness for decades?

Access to care complicates that question. Kerry challenges the exclusion discussed here, while acknowledging serious gaps in mental health support. What does a meaningful choice look like when treatment and assistance are difficult to obtain, and whose experiences belong in the debate?

Another tension begins inside the medical appointment. Mentioning MAID could sound like recommending it, yet saying nothing could leave a patient unaware of an option. Where is the line between informing someone and influencing them at an exceptionally vulnerable moment?

Topics: MAID and mental illness, patient autonomy, treatment access, family experiences, clinical communication

GUEST: Kerry Bowman

Originally aired on 2026-10-07

MAID and mental illness raise questions that cannot be settled by the word &ldquo;choice&rdquo; alone. Bioethicist Kerry Bowman helps distinguish concerns about decision-making capacity from the experience of prolonged suffering. How should protection and autonomy be weighed when someone has lived with illness for decades?
Access to care complicates that question. Kerry challenges the exclusion discussed here, while acknowledging serious gaps in mental health support. What does a meaningful choice look like when treatment and assistance are difficult to obtain, and whose experiences belong in the debate?
Another tension begins inside the medical appointment. Mentioning MAID could sound like recommending it, yet saying nothing could leave a patient unaware of an option. Where is the line between informing someone and influencing them at an exceptionally vulnerable moment?
Topics: MAID and mental illness, patient autonomy, treatment access, family experiences, clinical communication
GUEST: Kerry Bowman
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-07

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.