Everyone deserves right to die with dignity

My husband Lester died by choice on Nov. 23, 2020.

Six months earlier, his family doctor and other specialists advised us that they could provide no further medical treatment to improve his quality of life. They described in detail the symptoms he could expect as his condition deteriorated, and that he had two options for endof-life care: palliative care, or medical assistance in dying (MAID).

The doctor described both ways extensively and answered all our questions.

Lester applied for MAID and followed the protocol, which included an interview with two physicians and a nurse practitioner in our home. The professionals deemed Lester competent to make his decision, and he chose his birthday, Nov. 29.

Once he’d decided, the topic was never discussed again. We enjoyed our remaining time by touring Ontario and visiting relatives. Lester’s condition deteriorated faster than expected, and the date was moved forward to Nov. 23.

That morning, members of our family came for coffee, and they all said their goodbyes with hugs and kisses. We led Lester to the bedroom, helped him into bed, and I laid beside him. The doctor asked him again if this was still what he wanted. He said yes. At the end, we all felt closure, with good memories of his passing and happy thoughts.

Having experienced this, I feel compelled to offer some recommendations.

Federal legislation must give all Canadian citizens a choice in how they wish to end their lives as a human right; this would eliminate any outside influence over a patient’s choice.

Individuals should be able to preplan a choice to die while they are still in a healthy state of mind, perhaps when they’re preparing a will.

And medical schools in Canada need to teach end-of-life options as part of the regular curriculum. Education of health professionals must make clear such terms as “last phase of life,” “end of life,” “palliative care” and “medical assistance in dying.”

I am grateful for the partnership that existed between the doctors and medical practitioners who helped support my husband in his final decision. I believe that it is important to inform the public that the system can prevent unnecessary pain and anguish at the end of life.

We all are going to die, so in this last phase, “nurturing to end of life” is equally as important as “preserving life.” I believe that we should have the right to die with dignity.

My passion on this topic stems from having had three cardiac arrests before the age of 31. I now live with many health complications, but I am not eligible for MAID in Canada. If I were to develop a medical condition or involved in an accident that left me no longer sound of mind, my opportunity for MAID would be stripped away.

That is why I have resorted to a personal pre-plan for MAID, which I have had in place for 50 years.

It is disappointing to me that my plan must involve my physical transport to Europe, where I can legally access my right to die with dignity.