Canada Police Probe MAiD Death of Christian Grandmother After Consent Allegations
- Canadian police are investigating the death of an 83-year-old Christian grandmother who died through the country's Medical Assistance in Dying program, known as MAiD, after her family alleged...
- Brigitte Stegemann died on July 10 at The Pearl, a long-term care facility in Cannifton, Ontario, after undergoing the assisted-dying process.
- Kranendonk, who held her grandmother's medical power of attorney for six years, said Stegemann had previously rejected MAiD when the option was raised earlier in the year, declaring,...
Canadian police are investigating the death of an 83-year-old Christian grandmother who died through the country’s Medical Assistance in Dying program, known as MAiD, after her family alleged she was euthanized without proper consent and while confused about the procedure, according to regional reporting.
Police Open Criminal Inquiry Into MAiD Procedure
Brigitte Stegemann died on July 10 at The Pearl, a long-term care facility in Cannifton, Ontario, after undergoing the assisted-dying process. A spokesperson for the Belleville Police confirmed to the Daily Mail that authorities are actively examining the circumstances surrounding her death. “This incident is currently open and under investigation with our Criminal Investigations Division,” the spokesperson said, noting that officials cannot provide additional details at this stage. Stegemann had been diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in February, though her granddaughter and primary caregiver, Brigitte Kranendonk, stated that doctors had not established whether she had six months or up to two years to live.
Family Disputes Consent and Cognitive Fitness
Kranendonk, who held her grandmother’s medical power of attorney for six years, said Stegemann had previously rejected MAiD when the option was raised earlier in the year, declaring, “No, I don’t want that,” according to the Daily Mail. Kranendonk and her husband were away on a 10-day trip in June when a nurse at The Pearl informed them that a MAiD assessment was being booked. Kranendonk stated she discovered upon returning that an initial consultation had already taken place without her knowledge. During a subsequent cognitive assessment on July 7, Stegemann reportedly gave incorrect answers, stating she had no siblings despite having 13, and claiming none were alive when two remained living. Kranendonk stated that despite these errors, a doctor deemed Stegemann eligible for the procedure. Two days prior to the scheduled date, when Kranendonk asked her grandmother if she knew she was going to die, Stegemann reportedly cried for 45 minutes and said, “I’ve made a mistake.”
Allegations Surrounding the Day of the Procedure
On the morning of July 10, the procedure moved forward despite the family’s objections. Kranendonk alleged that the morning was chaotic and that a nurse struggled to establish an intravenous line, repeatedly piercing Stegemann’s arm and causing heavy bleeding while not wearing gloves, according to reporting cited by Catholic Online and the American Tribune. When the doctor arrived, Stegemann was told she would receive medicine, and Kranendonk recalled that her grandmother remained completely unresponsive, stating, “My Oma is not moving. She doesn’t open her eyes. She doesn’t nod. She doesn’t say anything.” Kranendonk stated that the doctor replied, “Okay, well, I’m going to proceed,” and pronounced Stegemann dead within about 10 minutes. Kranendonk is now seeking answers from the Belleville Police, the Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office, and the Patient Ombudsman regarding the lawfulness of the consent obtained.