Canadian woman applies for medically-assisted death after housing hunt fails

Canadian woman feels relieved and elated as her request for a medically assisted death nears its final approval. Photo credit: Getty Images

A woman in Canada is feeling "relieved and elated" as her request for a medically-assisted death nears its final approval.

The Toronto woman has several chronic illnesses and requested the death after numerous unsuccessful attempts at securing an apartment that did not make her illnesses worse.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was grateful for the approval.

"I was scared they weren't going to say yes," she told CTV News.

She has been diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) which can trigger rashes, breathing problems and hemiplegic migraines that cause her temporary paralysis.

She is also severely allergic to air fresheners, cigarette smoke and laundry detergent, requiring her to carry an EpiPen at all times in case of an allergic reaction, CTV News reported. She also uses a wheelchair after a spinal cord injury six years ago.

She wanted an apartment that had cleaner air and was wheelchair accessible.

The woman receives an income of CAD$1169 (NZ$1420) plus an added CAD$50 (NZ$60) for a special diet from Ontario's disability support program.

CTV News reported that one of her physicians, Dr Riina Bray, has been helping look for a better home for her as she requires "immediate relocation for her safety".

The woman called 10 different agencies in Toronto over the past six months to look for a place suitable for her that she can afford on her budget.

"None of them were able to do anything meaningful in terms of getting me relocated, getting the discretionary emergency, or temporary housing and emergency funds," the woman told CTV News.

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