Elderly woman allegedly euthanized 'against her will'

A Canadian woman in her 80s changed her mind about assisted dying but was still euthanized “against her will,” a shocking report states.

A woman in her 80s was euthanized in Canada despite previously withdrawing her request for assisted dying, according to a troubling new report that has raised serious concerns about how the decision was handled.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is legal in Canada, but only under strict conditions. Patients must be capable of making their own decisions, free from external pressure. Moreover, they must suffer from a serious and incurable illness that has left them in an irreversible state of decline. Informed consent is also a key requirement.

The woman, identified only as “Mrs. B” in an official report by the Chief Coroner of Ontario’s Medical Assistance in Dying Death Review Committee, was reportedly suffering from complications following coronary bypass graft surgery.

Her health declined both physically and functionally, which prompted her to ask family members to look into assisted dying.

Elderly woman allegedly euthanized ‘against her will’

Her spouse contacted MAiD services. A day later, a practitioner assessed her eligibility. However, Mrs. B later told medical staff that she wanted to withdraw her request, citing her personal and religious beliefs.

According to the report, she stated that palliative care, hospice support, and palliative sedation better aligned with her end-of-life wishes. At the same time, her spouse was described as “experiencing caregiver burnout.” A request for hospice care was submitted — but it was denied.

A second MAiD assessor was later consulted at the spouse’s request. This practitioner objected to proceeding, expressing concern over the urgency of the decision, the sudden change in Mrs. B’s end-of-life goals, and the possibility of coercion or undue influence due to caregiver stress.

The assessor requested a meeting with Mrs. B the following day, but the request was denied. Instead, a third assessor was sent to evaluate her.

Mrs. B was ultimately euthanized after reportedly telling assessors that she had changed her mind once again.

Members of the Ontario MAiD Death Review Committee have raised serious concerns, particularly given the short timeline. Their findings were included in a report released by the Office of the Chief Coroner.

“Concerns of possible external coercion”

One of the issues that was discussed was the denial of hospice care, limited alternative care options, caregiver burden, inconsistencies in Mrs. B’s requests, and differing opinions among MAiD practitioners.

The report stated: “Many members brought forward concerns of possible external coercion arising from the caregiver’s experience of burnout and lack of access to palliative care in an in-patient or hospice setting.”

One of the committee’s biggest concerns was that Mrs. B’s spouse appeared to play a primary role in advocating for and navigating access to MAiD, with limited documentation showing that the process was fully self-directed by the patient. The report also noted that MAiD assessments were conducted with the spouse present.

Assisted dying remains a deeply controversial issue. Supporters argue it offers dignity and relief from suffering at the end of life, while critics warn that weakened safeguards may leave vulnerable individuals at risk of pressure or coercion.

This case has reignited debate over whether Canada’s current system provides enough protection for those facing the most difficult decisions of their lives.

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