Son of woman who inspired Canada’s assisted dying law choosing to die on his own terms

Price Carter, a 68-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., is facing a grim reality. Diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he knows that his time is limited. However, instead of letting the disease take its course, he has decided to take control of his own destiny by choosing to die on his own terms with his family by his side.

In a recent interview, Price shared that the diagnosis of his incurable cancer made it clear to him that palliative care was his only option. He had always known that medical assistance in dying would be a choice he would consider, if needed. This option was made possible thanks to his mother, Kay Carter, who was a pivotal figure in the fight for Canadians’ right to choose a medically assisted death.

Price’s mother, Kay, made headlines over a decade ago when she became the 10th Canadian to choose medically assisted death at a non-profit facility in Switzerland. At the time, assisted death was illegal in Canada, and Kay’s decision sparked a legal battle that ultimately led to the Supreme Court of Canada granting Canadians the right to choose their own death.

Now, as Price faces his own mortality, he has completed his first assessment for eligibility for medically assisted death and is awaiting the results of the second assessment. Despite the gravity of his situation, Price remains calm and at peace with his decision.

Reflecting on his mother’s death in 2010, Price recalled the profound impact her choice had on him and his family. He vividly described the peaceful passing of his mother at the Swiss facility and expressed his desire for his own death to be similarly beautiful and surrounded by loved ones.

Price’s journey towards medical assistance in dying has not been easy, with legal battles and changes to legislation along the way. However, he remains hopeful that advancements in the law, such as allowing advance requests for medical assistance in dying, will continue to progress.

As Price prepares for the next chapter in his life, he hopes to spark conversations about death and end-of-life care in Canada. He believes that open dialogue about death is essential and that by sharing his story, he can encourage others to have these important conversations.

In a country where medical assistance in dying is becoming more common, Price’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of choice and autonomy in end-of-life decisions. As he faces his final days with courage and grace, Price Carter’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the conversation surrounding death and dying in Canada.