The Courageous Fight of Sandra Demontigny for the Right to Die with Dignity
Sandra Demontigny, a 45-year-old mother of three, has faced an extraordinary challenge with rare courage and resolve. Diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in the prime of her life, she has become a beacon of strength and advocacy for the right to die with dignity in Canada’s French-speaking province of Quebec. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find purpose and meaning even in the face of a devastating illness.
A Personal Struggle, A Public Cause
When Sandra learned of her Alzheimer’s diagnosis at the age of 39, her world was turned upside down. The disease, which had already claimed her father’s life in a tragic decline, now threatened to take away her own identity and independence. Yet, instead of retreating into despair, Sandra chose to confront her fate head-on. She became the face of a campaign to expand Quebec’s right-to-die laws, advocating for the right to request medically assisted death in advance, even years before the act itself. Her efforts were instrumental in the passage of a new law that now allows individuals with serious and incurable illnesses to make such requests, giving them control over their end-of-life choices.
The Challenges of Advance Requests
The new law in Quebec requires individuals to outline the exact circumstances under which they wish to receive a lethal dose of medication. For Sandra, this meant defining the clinical manifestations that would signal the appropriate time for her assisted death, such as the inability to recognize her children or the onset of aggressive behavior. Despite her deep-seated conviction about her decision, Sandra found it incredibly difficult to put these details into writing. The process demanded a level of emotional fortitude that even someone as resolute as Sandra struggled to muster, as it forced her to confront the harsh realities of her declining health.
A Life of Purpose and Love
Sandra’s story is not just one of fighting for a cause; it is also a story of living fully in the face of adversity. Before her diagnosis, Sandra worked as a midwife, inspired by a traumatic childbirth experience that left her determined to ensure respectful and natural birthing environments for other women. Her career was marked by a deep commitment to empowering women, and her advocacy for assisted dying stems from a similar desire to empower individuals to take control of their lives—and deaths. Sandra’s personal life is equally inspiring. She shares a loving relationship with her partner, André Secours, who has stood by her despite the challenges her illness presents. Together, they continue to cherish life’s joys, from traveling to Costa Rica to dreaming of a future safari in South Africa.
The Intersection of Life and Death
Sandra’s belief in the right to die with dignity is deeply intertwined with her beliefs about living with purpose and respect. She sees parallels between the way she wanted to give birth—naturally and with respect—and the way she wants to die: on her own terms, with dignity. This philosophy has guided her advocacy and her personal choices, even as she navigates the complexities of her own mortality. Sandra’s story highlights the profound human desire to have control over one’s life journey, from its beginning to its end.
A Legacy of Strength and Advocacy
Sandra Demontigny’s impact extends far beyond her own personal story. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring countless individuals and influencing policy changes that will impact countless lives. Through her active role in the Quebec Alzheimer’s Federation and her heartfelt book, The Urgency to Live, Sandra has given a voice to those who are often silenced by stigma and fear. Her partnership with organizations like the Quebec Association for the Right to Die with Dignity has helped humanize the debate around assisted dying, showing the world that this is not just a legal or medical issue, but a deeply personal and human one.
In Sandra’s words, “I’m not going to change my mind because for me, in my situation, that’s the best possible end. But I don’t want to die. I’m not ready. That’s not what I want.” Her struggle to reconcile her desire to live with her need to plan for death is a poignant reminder of the complexity of human existence. Sandra’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring importance of dignity, compassion, and personal choice.
