Esteemed storyteller Robert Munsch has received approval for assisted death in Canada.
Munsch, whose 85 books in print feature The Paper Bag Princess, was found to have memory loss in 2021 and is affected by a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
The author stated that he has yet to choose a specific time, but shared he would take action "once I begin experiencing major challenges speaking and expressing myself."
Canada first legalised medical assistance in dying in 2016 for those diagnosed with incurable diseases. Two years ago, the rules were amended to apply to those with serious and chronic medical problems, even in non-life threatening situations.
Munsch has published more than 80 million works just in North America and his publications have been rendered in two dozen languages—such as Spanish, Arabic and indigenous languages.
In 1999, Munsch was made a member of the prestigious national order. A decade later, he received a place on Canada's Walk of Fame downtown Toronto.
Munsch explained that his decision was affected by watching his sibling pass from Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
He commented, "He was sustained with extensive measures. I thought, allow nature to take its course."
Under Canadian law, individuals aged 18 and above must meet a number of conditions to be qualified for assisted dying.
Among them are having a "severe irreversible disease", making a "self-motivated application" that is free from external pressure, and being in an "late stage of permanent deterioration in ability".
Multiple unbiased medical professionals must then evaluate the individual to verify that each necessary criteria are fulfilled.
Munsch's literary representative remarked that his choice to speak publicly about end-of-life options "reminds us why Robert's legacy continues to touch people of all ages."
Munsch's child, Julie, shared that her dad’s choice to seek end-of-life care was made half a decade back.
Julie called the interview as "informative", but noted that "nowhere is it suggested my dad is declining rapidly, and certainly not that he's leaving us anytime soon."
According to legal requirements, the person must be in a position to actively consent on the date of their passing.
Munsch stated, "It’s essential I choose the moment while I am still able for it."
Medical aid in dying represented nearly 5% of fatalities in Canada in 2023, according to the latest national data.
Some 96 percent of the 15,300 people who opted for assisted dying in 2023 had a outcome considered "expected soon", because of severe medical conditions such as cancer.
