In Memoriam: Eva Thompson (1959-2017)
December 29, 2017
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death today of Eva Thompson, a steadfast advocate for Death with Dignity legislation in her home state of Maine. She was 58.
Brittany’s Legacy
November 1, 2017
Brittany knew that she would not live to see the results of her advocacy, and she called on me to carry it on in her name. I am more committed than ever to working with the Death with Dignity National Center in order to continue the important task they started so long ago when they drafted and campaigned for the passage of the law Brittany used.
Come Hell or High Water: Valerie Lovelace on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Maine
September 5, 2017
Val Lovelace believes that all individuals deserve the chance to have a peaceful, humane death that accords with their wishes and values. To start a conversation in her home state of Maine, she founded It’s My Death, a nonprofit dedicated to “providing services and education to people who wish to actively explore the meaning of life through embracing the certainty of death.”
Personal Liberty and Choice: Ed Tiryakian on Advocating for Death with Dignity in North Carolina
August 8, 2017
Unlike many advocates, Ed Tiryakian's passion does not arise from a personal experience but from his fundamental belief in “personal liberty and choice.”
The Right Side of History: Cindy Merrill on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Texas
July 31, 2017
Cindy Merrill considers herself an unlikely activist, with no illusions about the uphill battle for death with dignity in Texas.
The Power of Coming Together: Lisa Vigil Schattinger on Advocating for Death with Dignity in Ohio
July 21, 2017
After witnessing Jack’s painless, peaceful, and dignified death, Lisa and her family realized that “we needed to share his experience to help people understand that a peaceful death can be achieved when someone knows they’re dying and is very proactive” about end-of-life planning.
The Choice to Have a Good Death: Testimony in Support of Maine LD 347, An Act to Support Death with Dignity
April 19, 2017
I am also a Stage 4 cancer patient, and the progression of my disease in inevitable. As a cancer patient I can tell you that I have fought and will continue to fight this cancer of mine. Despite horrendous surgery and treatments and knowing what there is likely more to come, I want to live.
The Element of Choice: Testimony in Support of Maine LD 347, An Act to Support Death with Dignity
April 12, 2017
This is not a mandate, a requirement, or even a suggestion; but rather an option that allows terminally ill people to end their suffering on their own terms should they choose to do so.
“How much longer?” Testimony in Support of Maine LD 347, An Act to Support Death with Dignity
April 7, 2017
I fully support LD 347, an Act to Support Death with Dignity, and I ask that you do the same. I have only one question for this Committee: How much longer will the State of Maine continue to consider it a crime for a physician to ease the suffering of a competent, dying adult?
Testimony in Support of SB 1129, Hawaii Medical Aid in Dying Act
February 28, 2017
This is a transcript, lightly edited for clarity, of the written testimony to the Hawaii State Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor in support of SB 1129 submitted by Betts Cruz, a resident of Molokai.