Miriam Lancaster told social media followers on March 18 that when she was taken by ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital in April 2025 for severe back pain, the attending physician immediately offered her euthanasia, known in Canada as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). No tests had been performed at that point.

Lancaster, 84, said she was “taken aback,” noting she only wanted to find out the cause of her pain. Her daughter, Jordan Weaver, confirmed that Lancaster was suffering from a fractured pelvis caused by osteoporosis, which required weeks of supervised rehabilitation at VGH and UBC hospitals. She ultimately made a full recovery and resumed active travel, including trips abroad.

Critics say Lancaster’s experience highlights potential overreach in Canada’s euthanasia system, which has expanded beyond terminal illness to include “intolerable psychological suffering.” Opponents warn that some physicians may aggressively present MAID to vulnerable patients, particularly amid long treatment waitlists.

Lancaster and Weaver, both practicing Catholics, emphasized they would never have accepted euthanasia. They praised the care provided by hospital staff but said the incident underlines the need for safeguards. Alberta is considering legislation, the Last Resort Termination of Life Act, which would prevent doctors from initiating MAID discussions, a measure both women support.

Observers note that Canada has seen tens of thousands of assisted deaths since the practice was legalized, and the debate over physician initiation of MAID continues to grow amid the program’s rapid expansion.