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No Country in the world currently allows advance MAiD before diagnosis. Canada can lead the way.

MAiD Laws Overview

Where We Are — and Where We Need to Go

🔴 1. Canada’s Current Law

• You must already be diagnosed with a serious illness to apply for MAiD.

• You must be of sound mind at the time the procedure takes place — even if you were already approved.

• If you lose the ability to consent (such as with Alzheimer’s or dementia), you lose the right to MAiD — even if you clearly expressed your wishes earlier.

🧠 The Problem:
Over 50% of people are already past the point of mental capacity by the time they are diagnosed.
This makes it impossible for many to qualify in time.
It’s not just unfair — it’s cruel.

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🟠 2. Quebec’s Law

In 2023, Quebec passed Bill 11, allowing advance MAiD requests — but only after a diagnosis.

• The form must be completed after diagnosis, while the person is still of sound mind.

• It takes effect when a doctor confirms:

  • The person has lost capacity, and

  • Their condition matches the criteria they documented.

⚠ The Issue:
Many people still miss the window — they have already declined mentally by the time their diagnosis is official.
This law is a step forward, but it comes too late for many Canadians.

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🟢 3. The Law Canada Needs

✅ Allow people to complete an Advance MAiD Request before diagnosis, while still mentally well and independent.
✅ Let them choose the exact stage when MAiD would occur — including the option to require that more than one of their chosen conditions happen at the same time.

For example:

• When I can’t recognize my family.

• When I can’t feed or clean myself.

• When I need full-time care.

• When I can no longer speak or communicate my needs.

• When I can no longer move around without full assistance.

• When I am in constant, unbearable pain with no hope of relief.

• When I am unable to control my bladder or bowels.

• When I can no longer safely swallow food or liquids.

• When I don’t know where I am or can’t find my way.

• When more than one of my chosen conditions occur together.

✅ Ensure these written wishes are legally respected later, even after mental decline.
✅ Provide families and care teams with clarity, comfort, and certainty.

🛡 Built-in Safeguards

This is not about making death easier — it is about ensuring it is not forced to be harder than it needs to be.

Our Advance MAiD Request Form is a voluntary document and includes:

• ✔️ Specific written conditions

• ✔️ Mandatory witness signatures

• ✔️ Clear medical instructions

• ✔️ Family discussion prompts

• ✔️“Clear national rules and one standard form — integrated into the MAiD system we already have — would ensure the process is consistent, safe, and simple across Canada.”

• ✔️ Options to revise or cancel at any time

🙌 It keeps the power in the hands of the person — and protects it, even after mental decline.

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