Beloved Author Robert Munsch Approved for Medical Assistance in Dying

Canadian children’s author Robert Munsch, renowned for his popular books such as The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever, has publicly announced that he has been approved for medical assistance in dying (MAID). At the age of 80, Munsch made the revelation in a profile published by the New York Times, following his diagnosis of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Munsch shared that he applied for MAID, a procedure legalized in Canada in 2016. His application was accepted, allowing him to choose the timing of his death. In a light-hearted manner, Munsch quipped to the New York Times, “Hello, Doc — come kill me! How much time do I have? Fifteen seconds!” His decision follows a personal experience watching his brother endure a slow decline due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Personal Reflections and Future Choices

The author expressed his desire to avoid a prolonged suffering similar to that of his brother. “I thought, ‘Let him die,’” Munsch reflected, emphasizing his wish not to “linger that way.” He indicated that when communicating becomes a significant challenge, he will likely choose to end his life, stating, “Then I’ll know.” Under the current MAID regulations in Canada, Munsch must provide active consent on the day he opts for the procedure.

He humorously addressed his wife, Ann Munsch, saying that if he loses his ability to make that choice, she would be “stuck with me being a lump.” Munsch, who has authored over 70 books during his career, conveyed a deep emotional connection to his work, stating he does not want to be in a state where he cannot recognize his loved ones. For now, he finds solace in the stories he has created, noting, “I notice that the stories are mostly free from the problems I have with speech.”

Understanding MAID in Canada

In Canada, eligibility for MAID requires individuals to be at least 18 years old, possess decision-making capacity, and be eligible for publicly funded health care services. Applicants must voluntarily request assistance, free from external pressure, and demonstrate a serious, incurable condition. They must be in an advanced state of irreversible decline and experiencing intolerable suffering that cannot be alleviated under acceptable conditions.

Munsch was honored with induction into the Order of Canada in 1999 and received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2009. Reflecting on his life, he stated, “I’ve had a good life. I’ve told my stories. Now I want to decide how it ends.”

Following the publication of the New York Times article, Scholastic Canada, the publisher of Munsch’s works, expressed gratitude for his contributions. In a statement shared on Instagram, the company stated, “We are grateful for all the stories he’s shared, including his own. We love you forever.” They praised the article for providing insight into the man behind the beloved stories, acknowledging the generosity of Munsch’s openness.

As Munsch navigates this challenging chapter of his life, his legacy as a beloved author continues to resonate with readers across generations.