Canadian woman with dementia euthanized under MAID without consent

A woman in her late 80s with dementia was euthanized under Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program, despite evidence that she did not provide clear consent, according to a 2025 report from the Canadian Office of the Chief Coroner and Ministry of the Solicitor General.

The patient, referred to as “Mrs. 6F” in the report, was admitted to hospital after several falls and later transferred to a long-term care facility. During her transfer, she apparently expressed a “wish to die,” which a family member interpreted as a request for MAiD. Officials noted, however, that her cognitive condition made it difficult to determine true consent, according to Live Action.

An initial MAiD navigator concluded it was “not appropriate” to proceed, while a second confirmed that after discussions with Mrs. 6F, she did not want MAiD and continued her transfer to long-term care.

Four months later, a family member initiated a second MAiD request. The Chief Coroner’s review highlighted gaps in the process, including incomplete cognitive assessments, no written consent, and no direct quotes from Mrs. 6F to confirm her wishes.

During the procedure, the patient reportedly became agitated. Staff removed others from the room, repeated consent questions, and noted that she squeezed a provider’s hand before being euthanized.

The case is part of a six-case review of MAiD deaths in 2023 and 2024, raising questions about safeguards for those being put under. Alex Schadenberg, Chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International, said repeated questioning may not establish genuine consent for people with advanced dementia, particularly without thorough documentation.

Since Canada legalized doctor-assisted suicide in 2016, MAiD has become the fifth leading cause of death in the country, now accounting for roughly one in five deaths.

The Chief Coroner’s report emphasizes that while efforts were made to explain MAiD to Mrs. 6F, missing consent documentation and incomplete cognitive assessments raise serious concerns about the process for patients with advanced dementia.