Sandra Demontigny, a 46-year-old resident of an independent seniors’ living facility in Lévis, Quebec, has been battling early onset Alzheimer’s for seven years. Despite struggling with memory loss and daily tasks, she remains steadfast in her advocacy for expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) in the province.
Following her diagnosis in 2018, a traumatic event due to her father’s own battle with the disease, Demontigny made headlines nationally and internationally for her plea to allow advanced requests for MAID. Her efforts culminated in her participation as a witness in a federal special joint committee in 2022, where she argued for the right to choose MAID while still capable of consenting to care.
In October 2024, Quebec proceeded with its plan to permit early requests for medical assistance in dying, a move that defied objections from the federal government. As the province commemorates a decade since the legalization of MAID through Bill 52, experts view Quebec as a trailblazer in the field, with Demontigny hoping it will inspire other regions in Canada to follow suit.
For Demontigny’s son, Sacha Fontaine, his mother’s advocacy was a necessary step to prevent being “imprisoned in her own body” by the disease. With a genetic predisposition to early onset Alzheimer’s, Fontaine emphasized the importance of her fight not only for herself but for future generations in their family.
Reflecting on her father’s harrowing experience with the disease, Demontigny highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s, underscoring the need for dignity and compassion in end-of-life care. In January 2025, she formalized her advanced consent for MAID, becoming one of the many individuals in Quebec who have availed themselves of this option since its authorization.
Despite federal reservations, Quebec’s progressive stance on MAID has garnered attention. The province’s willingness to allow advanced requests, albeit conflicting with the Criminal Code, has set a precedent for other regions. The federal government’s recent efforts to engage in a national dialogue on advanced requests demonstrate a growing acknowledgment of the public’s evolving needs in end-of-life care.
The high prevalence of MAID in Quebec has prompted researchers to investigate the contributing factors behind this trend, including the province’s unique sociopolitical landscape and healthcare system. Dr. Mona Gupta, an expert in end-of-life care, suggests that Quebecers’ inclination towards personal choice extends beyond MAID, reflecting a broader societal openness to individual autonomy.
Quebec’s pioneering role in legalizing MAID underscores a significant shift in societal attitudes towards end-of-life choices. With overwhelming public support for the practice, particularly in Quebec, the province continues to lead the way in advancing compassionate and patient-centered care for individuals facing terminal illnesses.
Sandra Demontigny’s unwavering advocacy for MAID is driven by her belief in the importance of choice and dignity in end-of-life decisions. While her stance may not resonate with everyone, she remains resolute in her conviction that having the option for a medically assisted death is a fundamental aspect of personal autonomy and compassion in care.