Progress and Challenges in End-Of-Life Choice

As I settle into my new role as Executive Director at Patient Choices Vermont (PCV), I am struck by two things: Vermonters are a hardy bunch, and Vermonters are so very kind. Our volunteers demonstrate both of these qualities every day, stepping up to support individuals who are struggling in their end-of-life journey, offering compassionate guidance at this poignant time in life.

We continue to receive dozens of requests each month for information from Vermonters and from out-of-state residents alike. PCV is honored to be the go-to source for accurate, comprehensive information about medical aid in dying (MAID) in Vermont. The resources and education PCV provides help to ensure that Act 39 is applied with integrity and care.

This education is vital as we see opposition to MAID continuing across the country. Spring is a busy time for state legislatures, and while the movement for choice at end of life faces setbacks in some areas, we also celebrate meaningful progress in the fight for bodily autonomy. 

Today, we bring you both the challenges and the victories in the movement to ensure autonomy at life’s end.

Challenges to End-of-Life Freedom
In New Hampshire, the House of Representatives narrowly voted to table HB254, the End of Life Freedom Act, preventing debate. We are grateful to all who advocated for this bill and encourage continued engagement as efforts persist.
Elsewhere, opposition efforts are mounting:

• New Jersey faces legislation seeking to roll back MAID rights.
• Montana has introduced a bill criminalizing doctors who provide MAID.
• Connecticut’s HB5712 attempted to mislabel MAID as "suicide" on death certificates.

National opposition groups like Aging with Dignity and Assisted Suicide Watchdog are working to strip individuals of their right to a peaceful, dignified death—regardless of state laws.

Reasons for Hope: States Advancing MAID
Despite these challenges, progress continues across the country:

• Maine and New Jersey, which recently enacted MAID laws, are seeing successful implementation, offering terminally ill patients compassionate options.
• Massachusetts and Delaware have introduced bills with strong bipartisan support, signaling growing acceptance.
• Minnesota and New York are witnessing unprecedented advocacy momentum, with lawmakers and medical professionals voicing support.
• Oregon and Washington, long-standing MAID states, continue to report high satisfaction rates among patients and families.

These victories remind us that public opinion and legislative efforts are shifting toward compassion and autonomy.
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How You Can Help
Patient Choices Vermont remains committed to defending Act 39, supporting expansion efforts, and protecting MAID where it’s legal. Together, we can ensure that every individual has the right to a death aligned with their values.

• Stay informed: Learn more about attacks and progress here..
• Advocate: Contact legislators in states advancing MAID.
• Donate: Support our work to protect and expand end-of-life choice.

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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I would love to get to know you, our supporters, better. Please, reach out to me if you’d like to share your thoughts or suggestions about the work we do and share your hopes for the future. Patient Choices Vermont is committed to continuously improving our education, advocacy and support services to ensure that Act 39 remains strong and accessible. We remain ever grateful that you choose to stand with us through your financial contributions and advocacy. We are proud that Vermonters support this right for one another and for those who come here to seek a peaceful death through medical aid in dying in Vermont. 
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With hope and determination,
​Amy Bruce, Executive Director