Content updated on March 7, 2024.
People at the end of their lives are entitled to high-quality care that is adapted to their needs and respects their choices.
Sometimes a person's suffering cannot be alleviated under conditions that they consider tolerable. If they meet all requirements, they may then decide to ask for medical aid in dying.
Medical aid in dying and palliative care are governed by the Act respecting end-of-life care. This law sets out specific conditions for receiving medical aid in dying. It also sets out strict procedures for the health professionals and institutions that administer it.
What is medical aid in dying?
Medical aid in dying is considered exceptional care, that is offered as a last resort by an authorized health professional to a person who requests it. This professional can be a physician or a specialized nurse practitioner (SNP). The professional administers medication to the person suffering, with the aim of relieving their pain by causing their death.
It is possible to receive medical aid in dying:
- In all institutions within Québec’s health and social services network;
- In all palliative care hospices;
- At home;
- In any other place, if authorized.
Last-resort care
To receive medical aid in dying, a person must meet all these conditions:
- Be an adult;
- Be insured under Quebec’s Public Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ);
- Experience persistent and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions that the patient considers tolerable;
- Be capable of giving free and informed consent to this care at the time of receiving it. If patients are no longer capable of giving consent at the time the care is administered, they must have given written consent within the previous 90 days.
In addition, the person must meet either of the following requirements:
- Be suffering from a serious and incurable disease that has led to an advanced and irreversible decline in capacity.
- Have a severe physical disability that causes significant and persistent impairments.
As of March 7, 2024, someone suffering from a serious physical impairment resulting in significant and persistent incapacity will also be able to receive medical aid in dying if they meet conditions 1 to 4 listed earlier.
Requesting medical aid in dying
The request must be made in writing, on a form provided by the authorized health professional, and in that person’s presence. The physician or the SNP must check that the person fully understands the consequences of their choice and also ensure that the person’s desire to receive medical aid in dying is expressed repeatedly and at different times.
Capable persons may change their mind at any time and refuse medical aid in dying. This refusal does not have to be given in writing.
Any questions or problems?
To find out more, visit Quebec.ca or speak to a healthcare professional.
- Has the attending physician refused to administer medical aid in dying because of their values? That is their right. However, physicians must respect their patients’ choice and give them the application form. They must then forward the request to the administration section of the institution (CISSS or CIUSSS) concerned. The institution is responsible for quickly finding another doctor to treat the patient.
- Consent to care not respected? Turn to the service quality and complaints commissioner of the institution concerned.
- Do you disagree with the commissioner's decision? Contact the Québec Ombudsman. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
