The family of 83-year-old Brigitte Stegemann is seeking formal reviews after she received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) on July 10, alleging she appeared confused and distressed beforehand. Family members say Stegemann, diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, had been assessed while her granddaughter was away and later told her granddaughter she had "made a mistake." The family also alleges a botched IV caused heavy bleeding and that the procedure proceeded while Stegemann appeared unresponsive. Belleville Police and provincial oversight bodies have been asked to investigate.
‘Covered in Blood’: Family Demands Probe After 83-Year-Old Ontario Woman Dies Under MAiD
Brigitte Kranendonk/Family Handout
The family of 83-year-old Brigitte Stegemann is calling for a formal investigation after she received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Ontario on July 10. The family alleges Stegemann appeared confused and distressed in the days leading up to the procedure and say clinical protocols may not have been followed during the administration.
Stegemann, a Christian grandmother, had been living at The Pearl care home in Canifton after declines in both physical and cognitive health. She was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer earlier in the year. Her granddaughter and primary caregiver, Brigitte Kranendonk, told investigators and media outlets that Stegemann had previously rejected MAiD but was assessed for eligibility while Kranendonk was away on a 10-day trip.
According to the family, the assessment produced signs of impaired recall: Stegemann reportedly gave incorrect answers about her own family, at one point saying she had no living siblings despite having two. The family says the attending physician nevertheless determined she was fit for MAiD and scheduled the procedure.
Kranendonk says she later directly told her grandmother that MAiD would result in death. Two days before the scheduled procedure, Stegemann reportedly cried and said she had "made a mistake." Despite this, family members say the MAiD administration proceeded 48 hours later.
Brigitte Kranendonk/Family Handout
The family alleges the first attempt to start an IV was mishandled by a nurse who was not wearing gloves, causing substantial bleeding. Kranendonk described the scene to reporters:
"There was a phenomenal amount of blood. It is all over my Oma's arm, it is all over her nightie, soaking through her pillow, all over the sheets."
According to the family, a doctor then arrived to administer the medication. Kranendonk said her grandmother appeared unresponsive at that moment: "My Oma is not moving. She doesn't open her eyes. She doesn't nod. She doesn't say anything, and the doctor just said: 'Okay, well, I'm just gonna get started then.'" The family says Stegemann died with her hands clasped in prayer.
Investigation Underway
Kranendonk has asked Ontario’s Chief Coroner’s Office, the Patient Ombudsman and Belleville Police to review the case to determine whether Stegemann had the capacity to consent at the time of assessment and whether clinical protocols were followed during the MAiD administration. Belleville Police confirmed the matter is being reviewed by its Criminal Investigations Division. The Pearl care home has not issued a public response to the family's allegations.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is Canada’s federally regulated program that allows eligible adults to receive medical assistance to end their lives under specified safeguards and criteria. Allegations of improper assessment or administration are taken seriously by oversight bodies and may prompt coroner or police inquiries.
This story contains discussions of suicide and medically assisted death. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.) or your local crisis services for immediate help.
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