Concerns Raised Over Canadian Assisted-Dying Program

The granddaughter of a Canadian woman, Brigitte Stegemann, who passed away through the country’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program, has raised serious concerns about the process. Stegemann’s granddaughter, Brigitte Kranendonk, cared for her and claims her grandmother was unaware of her fate until informed about an impending lethal injection.

Stegemann, 83, previously declined to undergo MAiD according to Kranendonk. However, shortly before Kranendonk returned from vacation, the long-term care facility scheduled a second assessment for MAiD. Kranendonk immediately returned home, shocked to find Stegemann unaware of the situation.

“Just before we had come back from our vacation, I received a phone call from the home stating that they had booked a second assessment for MAiD to happen with my grandmother, and at this point my Oma had already denied MAiD,” Kranendonk shared in an interview.

Despite Stegemann’s physical and mental decline, family placed her in The Pearl care home in Cannifton, she maintained positive spirits and a healthy appetite despite being diagnosed with stomach cancer. Kranendonk emphasized that her grandmother rejected MAiD when initially discussed.

Kranendonk explained attempts to clarify misunderstandings around medical procedures. Stegemann resisted an IV port, which erroneously appeared connected to MAiD. Only after Kranendonk assured her grandmother it was for pain management, did Stegemann temporarily accept.

Stegemann’s difficulties with the English language and hearing issues further complicated communication. Kranendonk was alarmed upon discovering her grandmother’s misunderstanding about MAiD’s intent.

“My grandmother’s first language is not English,” Kranendonk noted. “She is severely hearing impaired.” Stegemann’s fear of appearing ignorant led her to nod along during explanations she didn’t fully grasp.

When Kranendonk finally informed Stegemann about her fate, the elderly woman expressed remorse. “I made a mistake,” she cried, indicating her lack of awareness about the dire outcome.

Questions arose about the day’s procedure. Kranendonk described multiple blood-stained attempts to administer an IV, noting the nurse did not use gloves, raising concerns about safety practices.

Before administration of life-ending drugs, Stegemann did not acknowledge the doctor’s final inquiry, further questioning her consent.

Kranendonk seeks investigations by the coroner’s office, an ombudsman, and the long-term care action line. These investigations aim to explore both the facility’s role and the MAiD process.

The Pearl care home has 57 licensed beds and 86 individuals on a waiting list, although comments about the situation were not immediately provided by the facility or local police.