🔴 CURRENT LAW SCENARIOS

1. A 63-Year-Old Man -Leonard 

• What happened: Leonard developed early-onset dementia around age 45, but wasn’t diagnosed until much later. By the time it was official, he had already lost the capacity to consent.

• Result: He suffered for years in care and endured 8 difficult days of visible pain and decline at the end. He had no legal way to request MAiD in advance.

• Message: The law failed him. He was exactly the kind of person it should protect.

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2. A 75-Year-Old Woman

• What happened: She lived alone, started forgetting names and directions. When finally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her doctor said she was already past the threshold of sound mind.

• Result: Her children were left to watch her decline into fear and confusion, knowing what she would have wanted — but she couldn’t legally request it anymore.

• Message: Many are diagnosed too late to qualify.

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3. A 67-Year-Old Man

• What happened: He was still independent but diagnosed with early-stage dementia. His biggest fear was losing his dignity.

• Result: He chose MAiD early, while still of sound mind — long before he would have wanted to go — because he knew he’d lose the window soon.

• Message: People are dying too soon because they’re forced to choose before they want to.

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🟢 FUTURE LAW SCENARIOS (WITH ADVANCE REQUESTS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS)

4. A 70-Year-Old Woman (Positive Future)

• What happened: Years earlier, she completed an advance MAiD request while mentally capable, stating:
  “When I can’t recognize my family, don’t understand where I am, or need 24/7 care — I want MAiD.”

• Result: Ten years later, after all those conditions were met, her request was honored peacefully and with dignity.

• Message: This is what the future could look like — respecting people’s values, even when they can’t speak for themselves.

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5. A Middle-Aged Father

• What happened: In his 50s, he completed an advance MAiD request with clear conditions and two witnesses. He made it clear he didn’t want to linger in a care home confused, unable to speak, or control his body.

• Result: His adult children never had to carry the emotional burden of wondering what he would have wanted — they simply honored the plan he’d set in motion.

• Message: Advance requests can ease family suffering and protect autonomy.

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