In Canada, an 83-year-old patient was euthanized against her family's wishes

A scandal has erupted in Canada after 83-year-old Brigitte Stegemann underwent euthanasia, despite her previous refusal to undergo the procedure on religious grounds and strong objections from her relatives. The incident occurred on July 10, 2026, at a nursing home in the province of Ontario, according to LifeSiteNews.

The woman, who suffered from memory problems and had been diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer, had previously expressed beliefs that prevented her from participating in euthanasia due to her Christian faith. According to family members, facility staff initiated discussions about the procedure while the patient’s granddaughter—who held power of attorney to represent her—was temporarily absent.

Relatives point to serious violations in the process of assessing Brigitte Stegemann’s capacity: the woman showed signs of disorientation and was unable to answer basic questions, yet the doctor deemed her capable of making a decision on her own. “On the eve of the procedure, Stegemann broke down in tears and repeatedly told her granddaughter that she had made a mistake,” the deceased’s relatives emphasize. Although no mandatory verbal confirmation of consent was obtained immediately prior to the euthanasia, the medical procedure was carried out nonetheless.

The deceased’s family alleges a gross violation of the rights of vulnerable patients and a lack of transparency in the staff’s actions. Relatives insist that, following the patient’s official refusal, repeated attempts to persuade her to consent to euthanasia without the knowledge of her legal representative were unacceptable. Previously, similar ethical issues were raised in connection with the debate over the legalization of euthanasia in France.