In this episode of *Stronger Together*, Anne Caldwell and Michael Dixon welcome Larry Worthen, Executive Director of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada. Larry shares his background in law, public service, and Christian ministry, along with CMDA's work supporting doctors and dentists as they seek to live out their faith in their professional lives. The conversation explores CMDA's opposition to medical assistance in dying (MAID). Larry discusses concerns about patient vulnerability, the changing role of medical professionals, conscience protections for health-care workers, and the anticipated 2027 expansion of MAID eligibility for people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. He also argues for stronger access to palliative care, mental-health supports, and services for people living with disabilities. Larry also reflects on the pastoral consequences MAID can have for families, churches, and funeral professionals. He describes the complicated grief that can follow a MAID death—particularly within faith communities—and offers perspective on how clergy, caregivers, and loved ones can approach these deeply personal situations with compassion, clarity, and care. Behind this podcast is Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meaningful peer support and resources for funeral professionals. FPPS exists to foster connection, understanding, and care within a profession that often supports others before itself. Learn more https://funeralspeersupport.co CHAPTERS 00:00:01 – Welcome and Introduction to Larry Worthen 00:00:41 – CMDA Canada: Supporting Christian Doctors and Dentists 00:02:14 – Why CMDA Opposes Medical Assistance in Dying 00:05:11 – MAID in Canada and the 2027 Mental Health Expansion 00:07:23 – Advocacy, Parliament, and Protecting Vulnerable People 00:08:25 – Patient Autonomy and Health-Care Conscience Rights 00:12:21 – Canada's MAID Landscape Compared with Other Countries 00:14:42 – Medical Ethics, Mental Health, and Gaps in Care 00:20:33 – Aging, Dependency, and the Fear of Being a Burden 00:22:26 – Faith, Conscience, and the Role of Health-Care Professionals 00:31:11 – Eligibility, Oversight, and Differences Across Provinces 00:34:50 – Mental Illness, Treatment, and MAID 00:40:21 – Palliative Care and a Different Path Forward 00:45:35 – Politics, Public Awareness, and Speaking Out 00:53:29 – Vulnerability, Health-Care Failures, and Compassionate Care 01:00:25 – MAID, Grief, Faith Communities, and Funeral Care 01:14:35 – Closing Reflections OUR SPONSOR Funeral Support Services shares FPPS's belief that caring for those who serve families during life's most difficult moments is essential. We are grateful for their partnership and their ongoing support of initiatives that strengthen the profession through understanding, compassion, and community. Learn more https://funeralsupport.co.jp ⸻ HOSTS Anne Caldwell Michael Dixon – Founder & President, Funeral Professionals Peer Support (FPPS) EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER Peter Jaekel ⸻ PROFESSIONAL & CRISIS RESOURCES • Crisis & Suicide Prevention (Canada) Phone: 988 (available 24/7) Website: https://988.ca • Crisis Text Line (Canada & U.S.) Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential support) Website: https://www.crisistextline.org • Remembering A Life Website: http://www.rememberingalife.com Resources: Grief education and remembrance resources that help families honor and remember loved ones • National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Phone: 800-228-6332 Website: https://www.nfda.org Resources: Continuing education, peer support, professional tools • Canadian Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) Phone: 1-877-688-2332 Website: https://cfda.ca Resources: Training, advocacy, networking • Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Phone: 866-426-2621 Website: https://www.cremationassociation.org • Ontario Funeral and Cremation Association (OFCA) Phone: 1-800-287-7636 Website: https://www.ofca.org • International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) (United States) Website: https://iccfa.com
