Celebrated Canadian Author Robert Munsch Approved for Assisted Death

Robert Munsch
Munsch's works have sold over 80 million copies throughout the region

Well-known writer for young readers Robert Munsch has received approval for medical aid in dying in Canada.

Munsch, who has over 80 titles include Love You Forever, was found to have memory loss in 2021 and also has a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The author explained that he had not decided a final day, but shared he would move forward "if I reach a point with real trouble talking and communicating."

Canada began allowing euthanasia in 2016 for those diagnosed with incurable diseases. Recently, the legislation expanded to include those with severe and long-term health issues, including non-terminal cases.

Munsch has distributed more than 80 million copies of his books in North America alone and his works have been rendered in two dozen languages—including Spanish, Arabic and indigenous languages.

Back in 1999, Munsch was inducted of the Canadian honors system. Ten years after, he earned a star on Canada's Walk of Fame downtown Toronto.

Munsch explained that his path was shaped by watching his brother succumb to Lou Gehrig's disease, which is motor neurone disease.

He commented, "Medical teams prolonged his life through all these interventions. I felt, allow nature to take its course."

Throughout the country, people who are adults must fulfill multiple criteria to be approved for aid in dying.

Among them are having a "grave and untreatable condition", making a "unpressured decision" that is independent of outside influence, and being in an "late stage of irreversible decline in function".

Two independent healthcare providers must then assess the individual to ensure that each eligibility requirements are met.

Munsch's publishing house stated that his move to share openly about medically assisted dying "reinforces why Robert's stories continues to touch many generations."

Munsch's offspring, Julie, posted that her dad’s plan to pursue assisted death was determined in 2019.

Julie described the feature as "well-done", but clarified that "at no point is it suggested my dad isn't doing well, or that he's passing away imminently."

According to legal requirements, the person must be able to actively consent on the day of their passing.

Munsch noted, "It’s essential I choose the moment while I am still able for it."

Assisted death made up nearly 5% of deaths in Canada in 2023, according to the newest official government statistics.

Approximately 96 percent of the those who chose assisted dying who opted for assisted dying in 2023 had a passing regarded as "likely imminent", due to grave health issues like cancer.

Courtney Payne
Courtney Payne

A digital designer and tech enthusiast passionate about sharing innovative web solutions and trends.