Quebec approves advance euthanasia requests
The Citizen|October 31, 2024
Montreal - Sandra Demontigny was afraid of being a prisoner in her own body: a 45-year-old diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, she worried about losing control of her life and burdening those she loves for years.

But the Quebec resident is now "relieved" after the Canadian province approved advanced requests for medical assistance in dying (Maid), its voluntary euthanasia programme.

As of yesterday, Quebec has expanded access to euthanasia for people with neurodegenerative diseases. They will now be able to fill out a form - like a will - in anticipation of the time when they can no longer consent to care.

"I finally have control over what's left of my life," said Demontigny, a mother and midwife who lives in Quebec City.

Maid has been offered to the terminally ill in Quebec since 2015 and is widely accepted in the French-speaking province.

By authorising advance requests, Quebec joins a handful of countries where this is also legal - the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Colombia.

"My condition is degenerating," Demontigny said. "I would have been a prisoner of my body for years."

This story is from the October 31, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 31, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE CITIZENView All
The Citizen

Frenzied festive season here

BLACK FRIDAY: SAVVY SHOPPERS DEMAND REAL VALUE AND GREAT EXPERIENCES

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Confusion as deadline looms
The Citizen

Confusion as deadline looms

ZEP: 'IMPOSSIBLE TO MEET FRIDAY CUT-OFF'

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Citizen

Transforming your investment with your advisor

Decisions made with your retirement funds often cannot be reversed. If you don't have an embedded retirement plan, you'll probably hear things you don't like from your planner.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Making offshore waves
The Citizen

Making offshore waves

Structuring direct offshore investments can be valuable in a holistic strategy.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2024
Medical aids in decline
The Citizen

Medical aids in decline

REPORT: SHARP DROP IN COVERAGE WITH ONLY 14.7% OF POPULATION COVERED

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2024
CHIEFS BAG FULL POINTS
The Citizen

CHIEFS BAG FULL POINTS

ENCOURAGED: TEN-MAN AMAKHOSI HOLD OFF A LISTLESS RICHARDS BAY

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2024
The Citizen

Rodri leaving a massive hole

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's marriage has been so successful, that any slip is in danger of being blown out of all proportion.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
The Citizen

Rain comes to Proteas' rescue

South Africa were saved by the weather yesterday after an onslaught from Sri Lanka's bowling attack left the hosts flailing on a rain-interrupted opening day of the first Test in Durban.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
The Citizen

Lions gear up for test of pedigree

The Lions are set for a massive test of their United Rugby Championship (URC) top four credentials when they take on 2022-23 URC champions Munster in their match-up at Thomond Park in Limerick on Saturday night.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
England wrap up T20I series
The Citizen

England wrap up T20I series

England's women's cricket team wrapped up the three-match T20 series against South Africa in dominant fashion in Benoni last night with a match to spare, after cruising to a 36-run win in the second match.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024