Though some state legislatures are not in session in 2018, we are gearing up for a very busy year. We are excited about the breadth and depth of our work in states across the country, and truly inspired by our grassroots partners who are leading the way.
State by State
For the first time in our history, we will be working in states in all stages of campaigning.
In Nevada and New York, we are building grassroots infrastructure and forging new partnerships. In Hawaii, we have been collaborating with legislators and local partners for the better part of two decades, and will work on an active bill that can become law in 2018. With our friends in Maine we will be co-leading a signature gathering effort. And in Washington, D.C., we will continue to defend the new assisted dying law from congressional attempts to repeal it.
Through our new State Leadership Incubator, we are providing resources and support to advocates in eight states, including some who are just beginning their work. (Read more about advocates from our partner organizations in Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas.) The map below provides a big-picture view of our plans for 2018.
Increased Legitimacy
Last November, the Vermont Medical Society dropped its opposition to Death with Dignity; in December, its Massachusetts counterpart followed suit to become the 10th American Medical Association chapter to do so.
Physicians are increasingly becoming Death with Dignity proponents, as they recognize that medical aid in dying can ease suffering, instead of prolonging it.
You Lead the Way
Across the country, generations, and party lines, we see a profound shift in how our culture views assisted death. Where citizens like you lead, legislators will follow. State by state, day by day, we are approaching the tipping point.
One comment.
Peter Massey
Dear DWD, Thank you for acknowledging my membership in your organization. Briefly, I would like to give a profile of myself as it relates to euthanasia and the assisted death movement, for your general information. Firstly, I am not terminally ill, or even elderly, but chose to end my life peacefully regardless of my good physical health. My reasons are entirely personal and I feel no obligation to share them with anyone, physician or mental health professional, for some kind of approval or legal qualification. I do not feel any self pity or need to leave any note explaining my reasons. I feel that the end of life option should be available to anyone at anytime, as is becoming more and more the case in Belgium, the Netherlands, and perhaps other European countries. Therefore, I don’t seek physician assistance or support, but feel comfortable with a fatal dose of orally self administered barbituates at a congenial or comfortable time. My only instructions would be for the environmentally and most cost effective cremation and disposal of my ash remains. Great pain and mutilation by other more conventional methods of suicide seem cruel to inflict on people, like myself, who mean no harm to anyone else, and this is the principle I would strive for in influencing legislation. Secondly, I believe the word ‘death’ is a burden, rather than ‘expiring’ or some other designation, because of the religious, psychological and even political connotations associated with the word. Sin, guilt, emotional and psychological pain, undue solemnity and suffering need not be factors in one’s inexistence and departure, for the individual choosing euthanasia or his or her immediate family. I have other points to discuss but will close now and perhaps reserve them for another time. Thanks for your attention and valued devotion to such a humane and enlightened cause. Sincerely, Peter Massey
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