1st Manitoban granted physician-assisted death, dies

The first patient in Manitoba granted a physician-assisted death has died.

The patientwho wished to remain anonymousapplied last monthfor an exemption from the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench to allow physicians to help them end their life.

The exemption was granted March 15.

In a message sent to media by the patient's lawyer, John Myers, the family said the death was "as peaceful as we all had hoped."

"We deeply appreciate the support our family received from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the physicians and other professionals involved. We are grateful that our privacy was respected during this stressful and challenging time," the family's message said.

According to court documents, the patient who died had two "grievous irremediable medical conditions that cause suffering."

The case is the first of its kind in Manitoba after a Supreme Court of Canada decision threw out Canada's laws barring physician-assisted death Feb. 6, 2015.

The court later granted the federal government an extension to write new laws which expires June 6, 2016.

Until then, patients with grievous and irremediable medical conditions can apply to provincial courts for an exemption to allow doctors to help them die.

• Manitoban granted right to die with help from doctors
• Manitoba patient heads to court demanding doctor-assisted death