Compassion & Choices Virginia

05/26/2025

One of our Compassion & Choices Virginia volunteers had the opportunity to attend a recent meet & greet with Senator Ghazala Hashmi in Annandale.

We’re proud to partner with Senator Hashmi, a steadfast advocate for expanding end-of-life options and ensuring every Virginian has the freedom to make informed healthcare decisions.

04/04/2025

MAID in New Jersey:

A recent study led by Rutgers University revealed that only 11% of New Jersey residents are aware of the state's Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, which allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request a prescription for life-ending medication.

This lack of awareness is concerning, as it may prevent eligible patients from considering all available end-of-life care options. The study also found that interest in medical aid in dying spans diverse demographic groups, underscoring the need for increased education and outreach.



Link to article in the comments.

04/02/2025

In a heartfelt article on Doximity's Op-Med, neurologist Dr. Robert James Varipapa shares his personal journey advocating for Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) legislation. After his wife endured immense suffering from ovarian cancer without access to MAID, Dr. Varipapa committed to championing this cause.

He emphasizes that MAID empowers terminally ill patients to make deeply personal end-of-life decisions, aligning with their values and autonomy.

Citing data from states where MAID is legal, he refutes the "slippery slope" argument, highlighting the absence of misuse and the presence of stringent safeguards. Dr. Varipapa calls for evidence-based legislation to provide terminally ill patients with the option of a dignified death.



Link to article in the comments.

03/28/2025

"Other Side," a documentary featured at SXSW 2025, chronicles the journey of Lynda Bluestein, a Connecticut resident and activist who sought the right to end her life on her own terms after a terminal cancer diagnosis.

Facing limited options in her home state, Bluestein challenged legal boundaries and became the first out-of-state resident to utilize Vermont's medical aid-in-dying law.

The film captures her legal battle, personal reflections, and her family's emotional experiences, aiming to spark broader conversations about end-of-life choices and the expansion of such laws nationwide.



Read the article here:

Lynda Bluestein’s battle to die on her own terms

03/25/2025

A recent Rutgers Health study revealed that most Americans are unaware of the availability of medical aid in dying (MAID) laws in certain states.

MAID allows terminally ill patients to obtain prescription medication to end their lives peacefully. The study surveyed 3,277 adults nationwide, uncovering significant gaps in knowledge about the legality and accessibility of MAID.

This lack of awareness may prevent patients from considering all end-of-life care options available to them.



Link to article in the comments.

03/19/2025

MAID in Washington:

A recent bill introduced in Washington aims to revise the state's existing end-of-life care procedures.

The proposed legislation seeks to provide terminally ill patients with more autonomy over their end-of-life decisions by outlining specific definitions and procedures for those seeking to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner.

The bill's key aspects include establishing more explicit eligibility guidelines, ensuring informed consent, and implementing safeguards to protect vulnerable populations. The bill emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy while maintaining ethical standards within the medical community.



Link to article in the comments

03/17/2025

MAID in Maryland:

After years of debate, Maryland lawmakers are on the verge of passing the End-of-Life Option Act, which would permit terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request and self-administer prescription medication to peacefully end their suffering.

The bill includes stringent safeguards: patients must make multiple requests to their physician, undergo a waiting period, and receive a mental health evaluation to ensure informed decision-making.

Advocates argue that this legislation provides compassion and autonomy to those facing imminent death.



Read the article here:

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last December found more than 70% of Marylanders supported medical aid-in-dying legislation - and more than 60% said they want that option for themselves if the...

03/15/2025

MAID in Montana:

Montana's Senate Bill 210 aims to criminalize physicians who provide aid-in-dying assistance to terminally ill patients, overturning the 2009 Montana Supreme Court decision in Baxter v. Montana that authorized such practices. The bill proposes a 10-year imprisonment and a $50,000 fine for physicians offering this compassionate option.

This legislation would force terminally ill individuals to endure unnecessary suffering by removing their autonomy to make end-of-life decisions.

Medical aid in dying allows patients to die peacefully and on their own terms, and that removing this option infringes upon personal liberties.



Read the article here:

Montanans are on the cusp of losing — at the hands of our own Legislature — an important civil right our citizens have enjoyed for many years, one that involves

03/12/2025

MAID in Nevada:

In a heartfelt opinion piece, Dr. Johanna Koch, a family physician with nearly four decades of experience, emphasizes the importance of providing terminally ill Nevadans with the option of medical aid in dying.

Drawing from her extensive practice in California and Nevada, Dr. Koch highlights the relief brought by California's End of Life Option Act of 2016, which empowers patients to control the manner of their passing. She advocates for similar legislation in Nevada, noting that such laws offer peace to those enduring terminal illnesses and their families.

Despite previous setbacks, including a gubernatorial veto, there is renewed hope as lawmakers reintroduce the bill, aiming to grant Nevadans the compassionate choice they deserve.



Link to article in the comments

03/10/2025

MAiD in New Hampshire:

New Hampshire is currently deliberating the legalization of medical aid in dying, joining a broader national conversation on end-of-life options.

The proposed legislation would permit terminally ill, mentally competent adults to obtain prescription medication to end their lives peacefully. This initiative reflects a growing trend, as ten states and Washington, D.C., have already enacted similar laws, providing patients autonomy over end-of-life decisions.

As New Hampshire debates this sensitive issue, examining the experiences of other states may offer valuable insights into the potential impacts and challenges of implementing MAiD legislation.



Link to article in comments

03/06/2025

MAiD in Delaware:

Delaware's House Bill 140, known as the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-Of-Life Options Law, has progressed through legislative committees and is poised for votes in both chambers.

This bill seeks to allow terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication, provided they meet specific criteria, including multiple requests and confirmation of diagnosis and decision-making capacity by healthcare professionals. The legislation includes safeguards such as waiting periods and the option for healthcare providers to opt out.

Governor Matt Meyer has expressed his intention to sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.



Link to article in the comments

03/03/2025

MAiD in New York:

In a compelling opinion piece, Amanda Cavanaugh shares her personal journey of witnessing her mother's battle with terminal illness, emphasizing the critical need for New York to enact the Medical Aid in Dying Act.

This legislation would empower mentally capable, terminally ill adults with the option to obtain prescription medication to peacefully end their suffering on their own terms. Cavanaugh highlights that similar laws have been successfully implemented in ten states and Washington, D.C., providing patients with autonomy and dignity in their final moments.

She urges New York lawmakers to listen to the overwhelming public support and pass this compassionate legislation immediately.



Link to article in the comments