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A consensus is emerging among Quebec parliamentarians to launch a public debate on the appropriateness of legalizing medically assisted suicide for persons unable to give informed consent, such as patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Without making any commitment, Health Minister Gaétan Barrette opened the door on Thursday for a public debate after calls by the two main opposition parties, the Parti Québécois and the Coalition avenir Québec.

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The Quebec law on end-of-life care stipulates that an eligible person who is considered in agony and suffering from an incurable disease must be clear-sighted and must give his or her consent to obtain medical assistance to shorten his or her life.

Thus, people suffering from various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are excluded.

Officials would examine the possibility of extending the application of the law to persons who had given prior consent through a living will.