The Diana Pathway

Leading the way in holistic education and support for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)

The Diana Pathway offers comprehensive support for individuals and their loved ones navigating the MAiD process, emphasizing emotional well-being while actively working to reduce the stigma surrounding this deeply personal choice.

Medically assisted death rose by 35% in Canada from 2020 to 2021

About 'The Diana Pathway'

The Diana Pathway is an initiative by HHA dedicated to supporting individuals considering or accessing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) due to terminal illness.

Inspired by Diana, the first client HHA assisted in her journey to MAiD, this program embodies her passion for upholding the right to make personal and informed decisions about one’s own healthcare when facing the end of life. Diana’s commitment to autonomy and dignity in healthcare continues to shape the program's mission: to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support while navigating the complex landscape of MAiD.

In Canada, MAiD has been legally accessible since 2016, with the number of provisions steadily increasing. By 2022, over 13,000 Canadians had opted for MAiD, reflecting the growing acceptance and demand for this end-of-life option.

Diana with her husband Dan

However, the Canadian experience with MAiD is multifaceted and continues to evolve. While MAiD is broadly supported across the country, ongoing debates address the adequacy of safeguards, the need for equitable access to palliative care, and the importance of respecting the diverse cultural and personal contexts in which end-of-life decisions are made.

The Diana Pathway is committed to addressing these complexities by fostering an environment where individuals feel supported in their decisions, regardless of the varied societal perceptions surrounding MAiD. Through outreach and advocacy, the program seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can make informed decisions that align with their values, while receiving the compassion and care they deserve in their final days.

Photo by The Good Funeral Guide on Unspash

"As a facilitator, my goal is to support death doulas in expanding their practice, equipping them to accompany clients through challenging or uncomfortable areas like MAiD. By better understanding ourselves, we can more confidently step into spaces others may shy away from."

- Robyn Ferrier, HHA Death Doula & Educator

How 'The Diana Pathway' Helps

MAiD and the Death Doula Certificate Program

This certificate program is designed for Death Doulas who want to expand their practice to meet the unique needs of MAiD clients. Our 2-day online training is open to all Death Doulas, whether they've trained with us at HHA or elsewhere, as well as HHA Death Doula Candidates currently enrolled in our Certificate Program. This training builds on their knowledge and skills, offering deeper insights into the specific challenges of supporting a client who chooses MAiD. HHA is committed to providing non-judgmental, knowledgeable support for those providing this important support. Register for an upcoming session at the link below:

MAiD Death Cafés

MAiD is one of our most requested Death Cafés, and we are proud to provide an open forum to discuss and destigmatize this topic. This is a space to share our thoughts, feelings and emotions around MAiD, to discuss the emerging laws on MAiD and mental health, and to talk about the impact MAiD has on families and loved ones.

Find upcoming dates and register at the link below:

Hospice at Home for those Accessing MAiD

Professionally trained Death Doulas, uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of MAiD, are prepared to compassionately support individuals in making informed choices. Diana taught us the importance of building upon HHA’s four domains of care to meet the specific needs and opportunities that a planned death can present. Each HHA Diana Pathway Death Doula continues Diana’s legacy with every MAiD client they support, ensuring that her spirit of compassion and respect lives on in their work.

Workshops & Presentations

This community outreach fosters a safe environment where community groups, professionals, or students can explore the various perceptions of MAiD and gain a clear understanding of its history and facts in Canada. Together, we dispel myths and address important questions like "Will my life insurance be affected if I choose MAiD?" Our ultimate goal is to normalize conversations on this important topic.

Learn more and request our workshop at the link below:

'The Diana Pathway' Program Team

Lisa Bonneville

Robyn Ferrier

Get Involved

Work with Us

Are you an HHA-trained Death Doula or Candidate interested in supporting clients who choose MAiD? Do you want to help create safe spaces for the public to explore their perceptions of MAiD and understand the history and facts of this provision in Canada, while normalizing conversations on this topic?

Join our Diana Pathway Death Doula team! After completing our MAiD and Death Doula Certificate Program, contact us to discuss current professional opportunities with The Diana Pathway.

Walk with Us

At HHA's annual Moonlit Memory Walk fundraiser, we walk in honour of all of those who have died with the support of a medically assisted death since the legalization of MAID in 2016. We walk to remember and to hold space for those who have died, and to create a community of support for those grieving the loss of a loved one who died with the support of MAID.

Please join us or donate to this important event!

Support Us

Your donation helps us offer comprehensive support, understanding, and guidance to individuals considering or accessing MAiD. It also allows us to continue addressing questions and dispelling myths about the MAiD process by supporting our community outreach and education efforts.

Please donate today.

Is your organization or agency seeking to address the complexities of MAiD but unsure where to start? We invite you to partner with us to bring our "Talking MAiD: Normalizing Conversations about Medically Assisted Dying" workshop to your team or community.

Visit our Community Partnerships Page to learn more or reach out to us at info@homehospiceassociation.com.

Partner With Us

Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash

Our Partners

We are incredibly thankful for the meaningful collaboration and generous support of our partners!

1/1