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Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) has taken an important step in supporting both patients and clinicians by publishing a standardized set of instructions for the use of medical aid in dying in Vermont.
Previously, patients and their caregivers have had to make extra calls to their doctors receive answers to common questions like:
"You’ve been so helpful. I’m so grateful that you called me back even on a Saturday. I’m just trying to arrange what my mother wants. I know the end is pretty soon, and it’s hard.” - PCV Helpline callerNavigating the end-of-life process can be incredibly challenging for patients and their loved ones. Evaluating all the options, including medical aid in dying, and tackling the necessary steps can feel daunting, even overwhelming. This is where our compassionate Helpline team steps in, offering knowledgeable and caring assistance to patients as well as their spouses, children, siblings, and friends.
“My family is grateful every day that Maggie’s death was like her life, one of powerful personal choice.” ~ Katy Lesser  We know from Vermont Department of Health data and from our own helpline experience, that the number of people who are considering or using medical aid in dying in Vermont has tripled over the past two years.
Big Step in New Hampshire | End of Life Options Act to be heard by House of Representatives3/12/2024
For the first time ever, a medical-aid-in-dying bill is making its way through the New Hampshire legislature. On Tuesday, the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee voted 13-7 to recommend that HB1283, the NH End of Life Options Act, be heard by the full House of Representatives. A vote could happen as soon as two weeks from now.
A medical aid in dying law similar to Vermont’s Act 39 has been introduced in the New Hampshire legislature. A hearing is scheduled before the NH House Judiciary Committee on February 7.
 “Medical aid and dying is so centrally important to my soul and to my peace of mind and to ending this one beautiful and amazing life the way I want it to end.” - Lynda Bluestein
The Vermont Department of Health has just released its report on medical aid in dying for the period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2023. This bi-annual report offers statistics indicating that access to Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont has expanded in recent years.   For the past five years, Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) has been fortunate to have retired nurse Toni Kaeding as one of our principal volunteers. As the main voice on our Helpline, Toni has offered more than 750 callers clear information, expert guidance, and a sympathetic ear.
We are pleased to have recognized Toni’s outstanding work at a recent PCV board meeting. As a token of our appreciation for her many contributions, we sent Toni a pair of made-in-Vermont Darn Tough Socks. Profits from this special ‘Sweet as Syrup’ sock promotion provide meals to the Vermont Foodbank. On behalf of Patient Choices Vermont, we urge you to favorably consider S.1331/H.2246, An Act Relative to End-of-Life Options.  |
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