Liberal MP Jennifer Maccarone is concerned that her autistic children do not have the same rights as other Quebecers with regard to medical assistance in dying. She calls for an expert forum to examine the issue of neuromotor disabilities, which is at the heart of Minister Bélanger’s bill.
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Mother of two autistic children, M.me Maccarone said she is apprehensive about when she will no longer be there for her children.
“I hate to think of seeing my children suffering when they will not have access to the same rights and the same care as other Quebecers,” she said with emotion in her voice. during a press briefing on Thursday morning.
However, she believes that medical assistance in dying is a “very sensitive” and “very human” subject, and she deplores the fact that “there has never been a debate in the National Assembly” on the application of this procedure for people with disabilities.
“We need to have more information, we need to hear from the experts,” she insisted, pointing out that forums have already taken place about advance requests, mental health and cannabis. “I don’t understand why we wouldn’t go ahead with a forum.
A “hasty” request, reacts Sonia Bélanger
The Minister for Health and Seniors, Sonia Bélanger, said she was “surprised” by Jennifer Maccarone’s request.
“We are starting our work at the parliamentary committee. We are also starting our private consultations. We do a very rigorous job of examining the memories, of meeting the different groups, so I’m a little surprised by that this morning, ”she said when she entered the Blue Room.
Nevertheless, Ms. Bélanger insists that she “is not closing the door to anything”. “But we are on day two of the parliamentary committee (…). It’s a little rushed,” she said.
Minister Bélanger’s bill proposes to extend medical assistance in dying to people suffering from a serious and incurable disease, as well as to people affected by a neuromotor disorder.