WINNIPEG — A Manitoba judge has granted a terminally ill patient the right to die by doctor assisted death.
Justice Glenn Joyal made the ruling, a first of its kind in Manitoba, Tuesday.
The patient is suffering from two terminal diseases and has less than a month to live.
READ MORE: A history of right-to-die legislation in Manitoba
Joyal also granted a publication ban on the patient’s name, age, gender and illness as well as names of doctors and healthcare providers who will assist in the lethal injection.
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“My decision to seek a physician assisted death is borne out of the physical pain I am suffering and the intolerable effects of my diseases on my overall quality of life.”
The patient wrote in a statement to the media. “My family is the most important and fulfilling part of my life. While it has been sad to say good-bye and to plan to leave my family, I am not feeling anxious, depressed or in fear of death.”
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of Canada gave the government a four month extension, until early June, to pass assisted dying legislation until then anyone wishing to exercise the right to die can apply to a court in their home province.
Arthur Schafer, an Ethics Professor at the University of Manitoba said when assisted deaths become legal in June, the courts permission will not be necessary anymore.
“If you’re a competent adult and you’re suffering intolerably you have the right to ask a physician and the physicians has the right to give you assistant in hasting your death.”
The patient proved they were competent to make this decision on their own. They can still change their mind at any time.
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