Reopening the debate on medical aid to die

Héloïse Archambault

Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

UPDATE
Saturday, 24 February, 2018 01:00

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Quebecers want the Law on medical assistance to die should be extended to people with dementia, found an aid organization that receives many calls about it.

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“The company is made there “, believes Dr. George Hope, president of the quebec Association for the right to die in dignity (AQDMD).

A lot of applications

Photo courtesy

George Hope
Doctor

In force since 2015, the medical assistance to die (AMM) is available to people in end-of-life, with an incurable disease, and faced with suffering that cannot be relieved.

However, the people insane do not have rights because they can’t make an informed agreement. According to many, the rise of Alzheimer’s cases will reopen the debate to allow the advance consent (at the beginning of the disease).

The AQDMD, it receives five to six calls a week from people who want information about cases of dementia.

“It is clear that there is a willingness of the general population that we discuss the issue,” believes Dr Alain Naud, a family doctor in Quebec that has provided the WMA with several patients.

“[Baby boomers] have accompanied their parents in the disease. They know the terminal stage and do not want to end their days like that. “

Sensitive issue

However, even if the principle seems to be socially accepted, Dr. Hope, admit that the application will raise important questions. When the ill will he end his days ? Who will decide that this is rendered at this stage ?

According to Dr. Howard Bergman, this “extremely sensitive” and requires caution.

“Let us focus on an end-of-life with dignity,” he said. It is necessary to develop approaches to support end-of-life, where one avoids the hard. “