Premier Scott Moe is urging a Saskatchewan woman with a rare disease not to go through with medically assisted death, but to continue working with the provincial health care system for solutions.
Regina resident Jolene Van Alstine has a rare form of parathyroid disease called normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, and has had three surgeries but still needs specialized care to remove an overactive parathyroid gland. Her condition comes with symptoms like extreme bone pain, daily nausea and vomiting, and overheating, as well as anxiety and depression due to social isolation.
She has said she is considering Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) because she is unable to have surgery in the province. She also says she has been unable to obtain a referral for out-of-province surgery from any endocrinologists, as none are accepting new patients. Her MAID appointment is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026….