Quebec Expands Medical Assistance in Dying Law

Quebec has become the first province in Canada to allow individuals with serious and incurable illnesses to make advance requests for medical assistance in dying (MAID), effective October 30, 2024. This legislative change permits those diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer's to submit requests while still capable of consent, ensuring they can avoid potential suffering and loss of autonomy in the future. Sandra Demontigny, a 45-year-old diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, expressed relief at the new law, fearing a loss of control over her life as her condition deteriorates. Critics, including some healthcare professionals, raise concerns about the moral implications and potential backlash from religious groups regarding this expanded access to euthanasia. Quebec's move comes without waiting for federal amendments to the Criminal Code, which have yet to be established. The province's decision aligns it with countries like the Netherlands and Belgium that also permit advance requests for MAID.