Medical aid in dying
How to apply for medical aid in dying
A person may at any time contact a health or social services professional to request information about medical aid in dying. They can then decide whether or not to make a formal request for medical aid in dying.
There are two types of requests for medical aid in dying:
- a contemporaneous request for medical aid in dying, made to receive the care in the short term
- an advance request for medical aid in dying, made to receive the care after the person has become incapable due to a serious and incurable illness leading to the incapacity to consent to care (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)
For information regarding an advance request for medical aid in dying, go to the Advance request for medical aid in dying page.
Contemporaneous request for medical aid in dying
Patients must request medical aid in dying themselves, in a free and informed manner, using the provided form. This form is available only from a health or social services professional.
A formal process must be followed to initiate the procedure and formalize the request. Otherwise, medical aid in dying cannot be administered. Only a person who meets all the criteria may obtain medical aid in dying.
During a contemporaneous request, the steps to request medical aid in dying are as follows:
- Make a verbal request to a health or social services professional.
- Submit a written request using the Request for medical aid in dying form available from a health or social services professional.
- Sign the form in the presence of a health or social services professional. The form must also be signed by the health professional in question and an independent witness.
Witnesses must be at least 18 years of age, independent and understand the nature of the request for medical assistance in dying. They are not independent if, among other things, they know or believe that they are a beneficiary under the will or that they will receive other benefits upon the death of the person requesting medical aid in dying.
A person may receive medical aid in dying only if all the criteria set out in the Act are met. Therefore, it is not enough for the request for medical aid in dying to be made in accordance with the law to automatically receive aid. If you have any questions, talk to a health or social services professional.
Patients who have requested medical aid in dying are always free to change their mind. At any time, and by any means, they can:
- withdraw their request for medical aid in dying
- request that administration of medical aid in dying be postponed
If the patient requesting medical aid in dying cannot date and sign the form because they cannot write or is physically incapable, another person (a third person) may do so in the person’s presence and according to their instructions. The authorized third person must meet the following conditions:
- be of legal age and capable
- not be part of the care team responsible for the person requesting medical aid in dying
- understand the nature of the request for medical aid in dying
- not know or believe that they are a beneficiary under the will of the person requesting medical aid in dying or that they will receive other material benefits, including one of financial value, as a result of the person’s death
If you are in a situation that is causing you suffering, do not hesitate to consult a health or social services professional for support, or call 811 if you don't have access to such a professional.
Last update: March 5, 2025