2024-02-13 01:12:18
People suffering from degenerative diseases who wish to request early medical assistance in dying will once once more have to be patient.
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A new blockage between Quebec and Ottawa in the legislation affects several patients, including Sandra Demontigny, a Quebecer suffering from early Alzheimer’s who has been campaigning on the issue for years.
“It’s coming for me, I’m disappointed,” says Sandra Demontigny, who does not hide her disappointment in the face of the blockage between Quebec and Ottawa for early medical assistance in dying.
At 44, she still fears these delays which might lead her and others to no longer be able to consent.
“We have worked with the provincial government all these years and have we achieved this? I don’t know if it’s me who doesn’t remember, but we never talked regarding the Federal Criminal Code which was going to stop everything,” exclaims the one for whom the disease is progressing.
Sandra Demontigny had to resign herself to moving to a private seniors’ residence in Lévis. A few boxes are still unpacked.
She doesn’t want to be a burden on her family. Her new accommodation provides security for her loved ones so that she can obtain care at any time.
“My former professional life and with my children, it’s a mourning process,” she proclaims.
In the living room of the residence, she chats with a few white-haired residents regarding these new deadlines.
This is because there is a gap between Quebec legislation and federal legislation on advance requests for people suffering from serious and incurable illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s. Federal law does not allow them to be made in advance. Doctors might therefore be exposed to criminal prosecution.
“Will I have to go to Europe or take medical help here in Quebec, but too soon?”
Sandra is weighing her options while living with early-onset Alzheimer’s for 5 years, in addition to having also seen her father suffer from it.
To see the full report, watch the video above.
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