Exit Matters

What is Exit Matters?

Exit Matters revolves around Vermont’s Patient Choice at End of Life Law (Act 39), enacted in 2013. Act 39 enables people who are terminally ill and capable of making their own medical decisions to request and access medication (MAID) that they can use to bring about a peaceful death if they so choose.

Some of the topics we cover in Exit Matters presentations:

How Medical Aid in Dying works- who qualifies for it and how to start the process of accessing it
Act 39- what's required under Vermont law
Conversations- how to talk with your doctor and other medical personnel about your wishes and your plans

Our presentations provide opportunities to ask questions, learn, and share stories. They are life affirming and empowering, and designed to help everyone who attends one to become better informed on these important topics. Everyone is welcome!

Watch Past Presentations

Join PCV and special guests for monthly sessions about medical aid in dying and various topics related to the end of life. These videos are the recordings of the previous sessions. For future sessions go to the Calendar/Workshops.

September 18, 2025: Discussion of film "Death Differently"

December 2, 2025: Having Family Conversations

March 24, 2026: Answering the Call: Stories from the Front Lines of End-of-Life Choices

October 27, 2025: What is a Death Doula?

January 27, 2026: Palliative Care 101 with Diana Barnard, MD

April 14, 2026: The Dementia Dilemma: When MAID Is Not an Option, with Cindy Bruzzese
*NOTE: Most Exit Matters sessions begin with a brief presentation on Act 39 and MAID in Vermont. That presentation is not included in this video. If you'd like to view the Act 39 presentation, please refer to other videos in our Exit Matters series.