In a vote of 47 to 28, senators have voted to expand Canada's assisted dying regime.
The move will allow those fearing a loss of mental capacity to make advance requests for medical help to end their lives.
The amendment to Bill C-7 was proposed by Senator Pamela Wallin, who argued successfully Canadians who have been diagnosed with disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease should be entitled to make advance directives spelling out when they want to receive an assisted death.
Wallin's amendment would apply to people who are not near death and even to those who have not been diagnosed with an irremediable illness but who want to ensure they can obtain an assisted death should they become incompetent at some point in the future.
Most Councillors Agree Change Needed
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