With changes to Quebec’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) law expected to come into force this fall, CHIP 101.9 spoke with an expert from regional health authority CISSSO to find out more about what this means for Outaouais residents. The changes would allow someone with a degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s to make an advance request for MAID before their condition deteriorates and they are unable to consent.
Dr. Guy Morissette, CISSSO’s MAID coordinator, explained that Quebec’s rules for MAID have evolved since they were first introduced, and differ from other jurisdictions in Canada.
Morissette estimated that in the Outaouais this year there were roughly 300 requests for MAID, with just under 200 approved, and said he anticipated between 350 to 400 requests next year. He said that the year-to-year increase is likely due to more people learning about and researching MAID, adding that around two thirds of those requesting it are cancer patients.
