Canada: Family alleges 83-year-old woman euthanized against her will

Family members of Brigitte Stegemann, an 83-year-old woman with stage IV stomach cancer, allege she was subjected to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Ontario, Canada, against her will.

Stegemann’s granddaughter, Brigitte Kranendonk, who served as her power of attorney, claims the elderly woman had previously rejected euthanasia due to her Christian faith. The family reports that Stegemann suffered from hearing loss and cognitive impairments, which may have affected her ability to provide informed consent. Kranendonk noted that just two days before the procedure, Stegemann expressed regret, stating she had made a mistake regarding her decision.

The incident occurred on July 10 at The Pearl care home in Cannifton. The family alleges that despite Stegemann’s silence and apparent lack of verbal consent during the procedure, the medical team proceeded. Police in Belleville are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. Under Canadian law, patients generally retain the right to withdraw a request for MAiD immediately before the procedure, unless a prior written waiver is in place.