In a recent op-ed, Cato Institute scholar Dr. Jeffrey Singer wrote about his perspective on New York’s pending legalization of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) through a conventional libertarian argument. However, Cato Institute legal scholar Matthew Cavedon offers a different libertarian viewpoint, writing in part:

“As libertarian thinker Murray Rothbard wrote, no one can ‘rid himself of his own will, which may change in future years, and repudiate the current arrangement.’

For me, that’s the crux of the matter: libertarianism accepts certain guardrails on people’s present liberty in order to preserve their future liberty, and it’s entirely consistent with that principle to oppose the legalization of MAiD.”

To speak with Cavedon further about the legalization of MAiD, contact Christopher Tarvardian.