A Canadian family is questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of 83-year-old Brigitte Stegemann, who died through Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) program. Allegations arise about Stegemann’s cognitive state and distress prior to the procedure.

Brigitte Kranendonk, Stegemann’s granddaughter and primary caregiver, expressed concerns about her grandmother’s mental decline. The family chose to place Stegemann at The Pearl care home located in Cannifton due to her physical and mental health issues.

According to Kranendonk, Stegemann maintained a good appetite despite being diagnosed with stomach cancer and initially rejected the option of MAiD. Things took a turn in June when Kranendonk, away on a road trip, learned that the care home planned to assess Stegemann for MAiD.

When Kranendonk returned, she found out that Stegemann had already undergone her first MAiD consultation. During assessments, Stegemann reportedly struggled with questions that examined her mental capacity. Kranendonk alleges that explanations about MAiD did not clearly communicate the procedure’s finality.

“We’re going to give you medicine, you’re going to feel at peace,” was how the MAiD process was described to Stegemann, according to Kranendonk.

Two days before the scheduled procedure, when asked, Stegemann reportedly cried and admitted to making a mistake regarding MAiD. Kranendonk claims she wasn’t aware of her legal options to halt the procedure.

During the procedure, Kranendonk observed the nurse struggling to administer the IV. Stegemann did not respond to the doctor when told about receiving “medicine.” Within ten minutes, Stegemann had died.

Kranendonk is now appealing to the Chief Coroner’s Office in Ontario and other authorities to investigate the legality of the events leading to her grandmother’s death. According to the BBC, MAiD accounts for one in every 20 deaths in Canada since its legalization in 2016.

Mira Metter, the director of “Broken Country,” emphasized questions concerning MAiD’s safeguards and the necessity of exploring all care options before presenting death as a solution.

Laura Echevarria from National Right to Life criticized euthanasia and assisted suicide, highlighting the need for protection and compassion over medicalized death.

Fox News reached out to Kranendonk, The Pearl, and Belleville Police for comments but has yet to hear back.