Quebec expands law for doctor assisted death, permits advanced consent

Quebec has adopted a new law that expands access to medical aid in dying and allows advanced consent for the procedure.

The law adopted Wednesday will permit people with a serious and incurable disease, such as Alzheimer's, to apply for a doctor-assisted death before their condition deteriorates and prevents them from consenting to one. However, it could take up to two years for such a request to be processed. 

The minister responsible for seniors, Sonia Bélanger, who tabled the bill in February, said the provincial government needs some time to ensure the new law is consistent with Canada's Criminal Code,which requires final consent immediately before medical assistance in dying (MAID) except in some cases where the person's "natural death is reasonably foreseeable." 

"We have to meet with professional orders," said Bélanger following the law's adoption. "We have to train competent professionals and do it correctly." 

She said she's already discussed the matter with the federal government. 

An overwhelming majority of MNAs voted in favour of the bill. Two Liberal MNAs voted against it — Filomena Rotiroti and Linda Caron — while a third, André Morin, abstained. 

Bill 11 also grants access to the procedure to people with a severe physical impairment resulting in a significant and persistent disability.

A previous version of the bill had allowed people with "neuromotor" diseases to apply for medical aid in dying, but the government removed that language from the legislation.

Medical experts had testified before the legislature that the word neuromotor — pertaining to diseases affecting muscles and the nervous system — was too broad.

The new law also allows Quebecers to receive a doctor-assisted death in places other than hospitals, such as funeral homes and long-term care facilities. However, the practice cannot be promoted for commercial purposes and there cannot be any fees associated with receiving MAID.