Empower Progress: Contribute to Act 39 Improvements

Vermont Governor Shumlin signing Act 39 in 2013.

We paused this week to mark May 20 as the twelfth anniversary of the passage of Act 39. A lot has happened in twelve years. Hundreds of people have been deeply grateful to be able to choose medical aid in dying in Vermont. Thousands more have consulted with their doctors and with Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) about their options and taken comfort knowing that Act 39 provides a peaceful end at the time of their own choosing.

Over the past dozen years, PCV has also spearheaded the important work of keeping Act 39 up to date. In 2022, the legislation we proposed streamlined the application process and made medical aid in dying (MAID) more accessible to those who qualify. In 2023, we spearheaded the legislative process that opened MAID to people from out of state.  

On April 30th, we were invited to testify at a hearing of the Vermont House Human Services Committee on how Act 39 is working. While there are no legislative adjustments to Act 39 currently in the works, the legislators expressed gratitude that our team stays up to date on improvements in similar laws across the country. Committee members did ask us if we were thinking about future proposals. We sensed strong commitment to making sure that those nearing the end of life in Vermont should have the best care and options possible.

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Listening Sessions Begin

Patient-centered decision-making, health, and safety remain at the center of any proposals to improve and update Act 39.  

Over the next few months, the PCV team will be checking in with doctors, hospice professionals, families, PCV Wayfinders, and our  Helpline volunteers  to make sure we have a comprehensive picture of the challenges that people face when considering aid in dying. We know that many people who are already coping with a terminal illness may have difficulties navigating the many steps in the process and coordinating all the logistics. 

Others find the waiting periods required by law to be disrespectful of the deep consideration they have already given to their options. At the very least, the waiting period adds stress to the process. We also know that most people wait until after they have made a decision to obtain medical aid in dying to begin the request process, not realizing that the process itself typically requires many weeks to complete. 

A number of other states have now simplified the process, and we are looking at what we can learn from the experience of those states.

Click to support our statewide listening sessions.

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PCV Board of Directors Leads our Efforts

With an eye toward making the medical-aid-in-dying experience the best it can be in Vermont, the PCV Board of Directors has honored Betsy Walkerman as President Emerita and appointed her Chair of the board’s Legislative and Policy Committee, which also includes former Senator Claire Ayer and Dr. Diana Barnard, both of whom have deep history with Act 39. Patient Choices Vermont also maintains its long-term relationship with The Necrason Group, which has been instrumental in building relationships with lawmakers. 
We look forward to providing state legislators and the public with updates in the fall.

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How You Can Support this Advocacy

• Let us know what your experience has been with Act 39. Did a family member or friend consider or use aid in dying? Was the process smooth or did you have challenges, and if so, what were they?  Click to let us know.
• Consider supporting this work with a donation during our Spring Fundraising Campaign. Your gift supports both the services and education our team provides as well as the professional assistance we need to make sure our policy and legislative proposals address real needs in a practical and balanced manner.

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Click to Support Patient Choices Vermont

Or mail a check to:
Patient Choices Vermont
PO Box 671
Shelburne, VT 05482
PCV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your contributions are tax-deductible.

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Many thanks to all the lawmakers and supporters who made Act 39 a reality and to all of you who continue to be part of this vibrant community in support of end-of-life choice.