A 101-year-old woman, Paulette Fiset-Germain, from Quebec, Canada, recently made headlines for her decision to end her life using medical aid in dying (MAID). Fiset-Germain, a mother of three, had lived a very active and independent life until her health took a downturn last year following a series of falls and a stroke. In an interview with Le Journal de Quebec, she shared that her physical limitations had reached a point where she felt she could no longer continue.
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Speaking about her deteriorating health, Fiset-Germain expressed, “I started having difficulty using the walker, I have one hand I can’t use, the other I struggle with, I can’t see out of one side. I’ve reached the end of my rope.” She described the option of medical aid in dying as a “really wonderful gift” and mentioned that she was looking forward to it as a way to close the loop on her life.
The decision to pursue medical aid in dying was made possible for Fiset-Germain under Canada’s legislation that allows patients with terminal illnesses to choose to end their lives with lethal medication either self-administered or given by medical professionals. Despite her advanced age, Fiset-Germain expressed gratitude for the life she had led, stating, “I’ve had a good life… I gave a lot, but I received a lot. There aren’t many people who have had all the love and respect I’ve had in my life. I don’t know of any enemies.”
On November 27, Fiset-Germain shared her decision with the staff and residents at the retirement home where she lived, expressing her appreciation for the care she had received there. While her choice was met with mixed emotions from her loved ones, including sadness and shock, those closest to her respected her decision. Her cousin and best friend, Louisette Huard, acknowledged the significance of Fiset-Germain’s decision considering her physical condition and life experiences.
Fiset-Germain emphasised that her family supported her decision, understanding her readiness to peacefully end her life. Reflecting on her impending passing, she expressed a sense of calm and even eagerness, viewing the opportunity for medical aid in dying as a positive gift. On December 1, at the age of 101, Fiset-Germain passed away in her own bed, with plans for her body to be donated to science and her ashes interred on what would have been her 102nd birthday.
The story of Paulette Fiset-Germain sheds light on the complex topic of medical aid in dying and individuals’ rights to make end-of-life decisions. It prompts reflection on the importance of respecting personal choices around death and highlights the need for open conversations around palliative care, quality of life, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.