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Robert Munsch, Canadian children’s author, to die by MAID; here’s what it means

By Maitreyee Thakkar

Copyright indiatimes

Robert Munsch, Canadian children’s author, to die by MAID; here’s what it means

Beloved Robert Munsch to die by MAID

Robert Munsch, the celebrated Canadian children’s author known worldwide for classics such as ‘Mortimer’ and ‘The Paper Bag Princess’, has been approved for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) after being diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson’s disease.Munsch’s decision to choose MAID came after watching one of his brothers die slowly from Lou Gehrig’s disease, he told the New York Times. Despite his public persona as a spirited storyteller, Munsch’s personal life included battles with addiction, mental health struggles, and the profound grief following two stillbirths before adopting three children, experiences that inspired the deeply moving Love You Forever. He suffered a stroke in 2008 which temporarily erased his memory and later made it quite difficult for him to continue with his literature journey. Munsch has also been public about his issues with addiction to cocaine and alcohol, as well as being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.Munsch, 80, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has lived in Canada since 1975, has touched the lives of millions of readers with his imaginative, heartfelt stories that often draw inspiration from the children he met during his school visits and performances.Throughout his prolific career, he wrote more than 70 books and sold millions of copies across North America, with his works translated into over 20 languages. Live EventsWhat is Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)?Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada allows eligible adults suffering from grievous and irremediable medical conditions to receive medical help to peacefully end their life. Only physicians or nurse practitioners can provide MAID, either by administering a lethal substance or by prescribing medication for self-administration. This process is tightly regulated by the federal Criminal Code, with provinces and territories setting additional rules.To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years old, capable of making health decisions, and must have a serious, incurable illness causing unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved under acceptable conditions. Death does not have to be imminent for eligibility. However, persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness are excluded until March 17, 2027.Introduced in Canada in 2016, the process involves two independent medical assessments, a written request signed by an independent witness, and confirmed consent immediately before MAID is provided (with exceptions if the person loses capacity). Provinces and territories oversee how MAID is offered but must comply with federal law. These safeguards aim to provide compassionate end-of-life care while protecting vulnerable individuals.Munsch’s legacy and impactRobert Munsch’s stories are well-known for their humor, creativity, and emotional depth. His unique storytelling style – animated, exaggerated, and interactive – was honed during his time teaching and visiting schools and daycares across Canada. His books have become staples of childhood for several generations. Titles such as The Paper Bag Princess, which subverts traditional fairy tale tropes, and Love You Forever, which lyrically explores the enduring bond between parent and child, have garnered both critical and popular acclaim.He was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1999 and has a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)? MAID is a legally regulated process that permits eligible individuals suffering from serious, incurable medical conditions in Canada to seek medically assisted death as an option to end intolerable pain and suffering.Q: Is MAID widely accepted in Canada? MAID was legalized nationwide in 2016 with strict eligibility and evaluation procedures. It is regarded as a compassionate healthcare measure, though it remains subject to ongoing ethical and legal discussion.Q: What are some of Robert Munsch’s most famous works? His most famous books include Love You Forever, The Paper Bag Princess, Mortimer, and Stephanie’s Ponytail, among others.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onRobert MunschMedical Assistance in Dyingchildren’s authorLove You ForeverThe Paper Bag PrincessMAID CanadadementiaParkinson’s diseaseOrder of Canada(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless

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