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Beloved children’s author Robert Munsch has gained clearance for medical aid in dying in Canada.

Munsch, who has 85 published books feature The Paper Bag Princess, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and is affected by a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The author explained that he is still considering a final day, but shared he would proceed "once I begin experiencing major challenges speaking and expressing myself."

Canada initially permitted euthanasia in 2016 for individuals facing incurable diseases. Two years ago, the rules were amended to apply to those with significant ongoing health issues, including non-life threatening cases.

Munsch has sold more than 80 million copies of his books across the continent and his publications have been translated into at least 20 languages—such as multiple global and local dialects.

Back in 1999, Munsch was honored as part of the Canadian honors system. Ten years after, he was awarded a star on Canada's Walk of Fame located in Toronto.

Munsch shared that his path was influenced by observing his sibling pass from ALS, referred to as motor neurone disease.

He stated, "He was sustained with extensive measures. I thought, allow nature to take its course."

Under Canadian law, adults over 18 must satisfy a number of requirements to be qualified for assisted dying.

Among them are having a "severe irreversible disease", making a "voluntary request" that is independent of coercion, and being in an "advanced state of permanent deterioration in capability".

Multiple unbiased healthcare providers must then review the patient to confirm that all eligibility requirements are fulfilled.

Munsch's literary representative commented that his move to speak publicly about end-of-life options "reminds us why Robert's work continues to impact countless readers."

Munsch's offspring, Julie, posted that her dad’s plan to opt for medically assisted dying was determined five years ago.

Julie referred to the interview as "great", but added that "nowhere is it indicated my dad is in poor health, or that he's passing away in the near future."

As per Canadian law, the individual must be in a position to actively consent on the time of his death.

Munsch stated, "I have to pick the point before I lose the ability for it."

Medical aid in dying represented 4.7% of passings in Canada in 2023, based on the latest official government statistics.

Roughly 96 percent of the those who chose assisted dying who received assisted dying in 2023 had a death deemed "expected soon", due to critical diagnoses like cancer.