Serious and incurable illnesses, or serious physical impairment causing significant and enduring disabilities, can be difficult to cope with. Despite quality care and support given to patients at the end of life, in a minority of cases, palliative care may not be sufficient to relieve suffering in a satisfactory manner. The Act Respecting End-of-Life Care allows an additional option to be offered to these persons for whom all therapeutic, curative and palliative options have been deemed unsatisfactory and who would rather die than continue to suffer.
Although a mental disorder, other than a neurocognitive disorder, can be, in certain cases, a serious and incurable illness that can cause significant suffering, it must be understood that it is not an illness for which a person can formulate a request for medical assistance in dying.
Medical aid in dying consists of a doctor administering medication to patients, at their request, in order to relieve their suffering by bringing about their death. This care is available in all institutions in Québec’s health and social services network and in a few palliative care hospices. A person may also ask to be provided with medical aid in dying at home.
Medical aid in dying is an exceptional intervention with very restrictive conditions. The use of this intervention is governed by strict guidelines set out in the Act respecting end-of-life care and the Criminal Code.
If you are in a situation that is causing you suffering, don't hesitate to consult a health or social services professional for support, or call 811 if you don't have access to such a professional.
