Robert Munsch, the beloved Canadian children's author of books like The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever, says he has been approved for medical assistance in dying (MAID) after he was diagnosed with dementia and Parkinson's disease. In a New York Times profile of Munsch, the author said that he applied for MAID - a practice that was legalized in 2016 - and his application was approved.
Munsch, 80, joked to the outlet that his application said, "Hello, Doc - come kill me! How much time do I have? Fifteen seconds!"He said he had watched one of his brothers die slowly from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and gets worse over time. Story continues below advertisement "They kept him alive through all these interventions. I thought, 'Let him die,'" Munsch said.
The author said he doesn't want to "linger that way" and added that he thinks he will choose to go "when I start having real trouble talking and communicating. Then I'll know." View image in full screen Robert Munsch at Dufferin St. Clair library Jan 14, 2010. Michael Stuparyk/Toronto Star via Getty Images Under MAID laws in Canada, Munsch must be able to actively consent on the day of his death. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. "I have to pick the moment when I can still ask for it," Munsch explained to the Times.
Munsch told his wife, Ann, that if he misses the opportunity, she's "stuck with me being a lump." 2:31 Terminally ill Edmonton senior chooses MAID Terminally ill Edmonton senior chooses MAID Health Matters: Growth in MAiD services slowed significantly in 2023, stats show Woman's MAID procedure blocked by B.C. judge Ontario woman's journey from considering MAID to 'normal' life after historic surgery Previous Video Next Video Story continues below advertisement The author, who has published more than 70 books over his career, said he doesn't want to be here "when I can't recognize the people I love."For now, he said his old stories have survived his diagnoses and remain with him."I notice that the stories are mostly free from the problems I have with speech," he said.
In Canada, a person who wishes to receive MAID must meet eligibility criteria that include being at least 18 years of age, having decision-making capacity, being eligible for publicly funded health-care services and making a voluntary request that is not the result of external pressure.
The person must also have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability, be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability and enduring and intolerable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions the person considers acceptable. Trending Now Carney says U.S. 'relationship is good,' texts 'modern man' Trump often Alleged Charlie Kirk killer not co-operating with police, Utah governor says Munsch was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1999 and received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2009. View image in full screen Robert Munsch attends Canada's Walk of Fame at the Four Season Centre of the Performing Arts on Sept. 12, 2009 in Toronto. George Pimentel/WireImage After the New York Times profile was published, Scholastic Canada shared a statement on Instagram, writing, "As proud publishers of Robert Munsch's beloved books, we are grateful for all the stories he's shared, including his own. We love you forever." Story continues below advertisement "This New York Times article by Katie Engelhart offers a powerful glimpse into the man behind the stories, and we join those who have expressed profound gratitude for this chance to understand and connect with Robert Munsch in a new way," the publishing company wrote."It's an incredibly generous act to open up like this, and it reminds us, once again, why Robert's work continues to touch many generations." View this post on InstagramA post shared by Scholastic Canada (@scholasticcda) More on Entertainment More videos Country singers Zach Bryan, Gavin Adcock face off in music fest altercation Ellen DeGeneres sued for negligence for allegedly causing T-bone car crash Robert Redford, Hollywood icon and Sundance founder, dead at 89 Prince Harry 'closer' to bringing kids to U.K. after King Charles meeting Emmy Awards 2025: Television's hottest stars light up the red carpet Vancouver's Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg cement success with Emmy wins for 'The Studio' What to do about crowd chaos during concerts at Commonwealth Stadium? Canadian Country Music Awards in Kelowna a big hit