Robert Munsch elects to access MAID

[Brusan]

I wonder to what extent his choice will impact any legislative considerations towards those with dementia/Alzheimers being given options hitherto denied them.

I assume Robert still has possession of his mental faculties therefore he’s able to circumvent the “lucid & cognizant” part of the legislative test. However, that now brings up the aspect of an imminent and certain death not being present.

This is that catch 22 that those of us desiring change to the legislation to accommodate making a pre-incapacitation election possible with the stipulating in our application that a medical panel, designated living power of attorney, using a set of benchmarks we stipulate; being empowered to enact/trigger our request for MAID.

I understand the reluctance of having a second party made responsible or given the authority to “execute” (no pun intended) said mandate.

The questions now remain: Does Munsch have to elect his death now while still completely lucid to answer the last minute question posed by an authority of his commitment to die at this time. AND/OR: Will there be remaining hurdle over his death choice now due to his diagnosis NOT fulfilling the “certain and imminent” requirements of current law?

 

[Allan]

However, that now brings up the aspect of an imminent and certain death not being present.

Imminent and certain death is no longer a requirement for MAID.

Here are the eligibility requirements now:

-have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability.

-be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability.

-have enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers acceptable.

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

Better not have a stroke first and then get something incurable, because then you are f*ed, as MAID still won't allow you to designate someone to act as your power of attorney for termination of your life. You have to be of sound mind when you request MAID. And if you aren't, then you can't request MAID, and no one else can for you either.

 

[Brusan]

Imminent and certain death is no longer a requirement for MAID.

Here are the eligibility requirements now:

-have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability.

-be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability.

-have enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers acceptable.

Thank you Allan for clarifying/correcting my understanding of the present legislation.

Now, as to when that death must occur: does it still have to occur while he is fully cognizant and enjoying some quality of life with loved ones, or can it occur AFTER he has lost the ability to answer the ‘litmus test” question being based upon his pre-stipulated set of life altering benchmarks left to a second party to trigger?

 

[Brusan]

Better not have a stroke first and then get something incurable, because then you are f*ed, as MAID still won't allow you to designate someone to act as your power of attorney for termination of your life. You have to be of sound mind when you request MAID. And if you aren't, then you can't request MAID, and no one else can for you either.

And once again my question was answered before I could finish typing.

That is indeed my concern.

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

And once again my question was answered before I could finish typing.

That is indeed my concern.

Mine too. It's half-assed backwards. You can designate someone to make life decisions for you if you become mentally incapacitated but only to the extend of not artificially extending your life, but there is no provision for the same person to request a painfree and quick death for you if you are suffering beyond human endurance.

 

[Brusan]

Mine too. It's half-assed backwards. You can designate someone to make life decisions for you if you become mentally incapacitated but only to the extend of not artificially extending your life, but there is no provision for the same person to request a painfree and quick death for you if you are suffering beyond human endurance.

Well put indeed!

 

[Allan]

And once again my question was answered before I could finish typing.

That is indeed my concern.

Following on Snowflake's comments if I request MAID (say for example a stroke that leaves me wheelchair bound) and a second stroke leaves me completely unable to communicate the procedure would still be carried out as per my last communication.

Quebec allows some limited ability to request MAID if certain conditions present themselves in the future.

For now the rest of us have the ability to request DNR or AND to deal with any potential major event like cardiac arrest.

Walmart even sells a bracelet...

 

[Callen]

This breaks my heart, not his decision rather that he had to make it. My daughter loved his books