Robert Munsch, Beloved Canadian Author, Approved for Assisted Dying

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:59:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Renowned children’s author Robert Munsch has been granted approval for medically assisted dying, reflecting on his struggles with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Canadian writer Robert Munsch, famous for children's classics like 'The Paper Bag Princess', has received approval for medically assisted dying after a battle with dementia and Parkinson's disease. At 80 years old, Munsch has expressed he will choose the timing of his death, emphasizing the need for autonomy in the dying process. His decision has sparked conversations around assisted dying laws in Canada, which has seen an increase in approved cases in recent years. Munsch's daughter has reassured the public that he is doing well, and his decision was made five years prior.

Celebrated children's writer Robert Munsch has been approved for medically assisted dying in Canada.

Munsch, whose 85 published books include The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and also has Parkinson's disease.

The 80-year-old author told the New York Times Magazine that he had not decided a date for his death, but said he would go when I start having real trouble talking and communicating. Then I'll know.

Canada first legalized euthanasia in 2016 for people with terminal illnesses. In 2021, the law was changed to include those with serious and chronic physical conditions, even in non-life threatening circumstances.

Munsch has sold more than 80 million copies of his books in North America alone and they have been translated into at least 20 languages - including Arabic, Spanish, and Anishinaabemowin, an indigenous North American language.

In 1999, Munsch was made a member of the Order of Canada. A decade later, he received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto.

In an interview with the New York Times Magazine, Munsch explained his decision was influenced by watching his brother die from Lou Gehrig's disease. They kept him alive through all these interventions. I thought, let him die, he said.

In Canada, to qualify for assisted dying, individuals must have a serious and incurable illness and make a voluntary request. Two independent doctors must confirm eligibility.

Scholastic, Munsch's publisher, remarked on social media that his decision to speak publicly about assisted dying highlights the impact of his work across generations.

His daughter Julie noted on Facebook that her father's decision to pursue assisted dying was made five years ago. She emphasized that her father is not in a state of decline at present.

According to Canadian law, individuals must be able to actively consent on the day of their death. Munsch reiterated, I have to pick the moment when I can still ask for it.

Medically assisted dying accounted for 4.7% of deaths in Canada in 2023. Among the 15,300 individuals who underwent assisted dying that year, the vast majority had severe medical conditions.