Sandra Demontigny, a 46-year-old diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s seven years ago, has her home filled with cues to help her navigate daily life. Post-it notes and family photos adorn her fridge, while a medication alarm beeps in her kitchen in Lévis, Quebec, where she resides in an independent seniors’ living facility.
Despite struggling with memory loss and daily tasks, Demontigny vividly recalls her decision to advocate for expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Quebec following her diagnosis in 2018. She made national and international headlines for her plea for advanced requests for MAID and even testified at a 2022 special joint committee on the matter.
In October 2024, Quebec proceeded with allowing early requests for medical assistance in dying, a move that garnered attention and raised concerns at the federal level. As Quebec commemorates a decade since legalizing MAID through Bill 52, experts commend the province for its leadership in this area, with Demontigny hoping it serves as a model for the rest of Canada.
Demontigny’s son, Sacha Fontaine, emphasizes the necessity of his mother’s advocacy, noting that she fought for the right to advanced MAID requests not only for herself but for their family, given their genetic predisposition to early onset Alzheimer’s. Reflecting on her father’s debilitating experience with the disease, Demontigny highlights the importance of dignity in end-of-life care.
Having signed her advanced consent form for MAID in January 2025, Demontigny is one of 1,747 individuals who have made similar requests in Quebec. Despite initial federal concerns, Quebec proceeded with its legislation, prompting discussions on advanced requests at the national level.
As Quebec grapples with a high rate of MAID requests, experts explore various factors contributing to this trend, including societal attitudes towards personal choice and accessibility to healthcare services. The province’s progressive stance on MAID has set it apart as a leader in this field, with calls for similar legislative action at the federal level.
Demontigny’s unwavering advocacy for the right to a medically assisted death underscores the importance of choice in end-of-life decisions. Despite facing opposition, she remains steadfast in her belief that having the option of MAID is crucial for individuals facing terminal illnesses, emphasizing the significance of preserving dignity in such circumstances.
