Protect and Improve MAID across the Northeast

by Amy Bruce
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Along with the good news, we want to alert you to a recent threat to medical aid in dying and what you can do to help.

MAiD under threat in Washington, D.C.

​This week the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government’s (FSGG) included language into a budget bill that would repeal Death with Dignity in Washington, DC and prevent the DC Council from adopting any such laws in the future. The District of Columbia legalized medical aid in dying for terminally ill adults in 2016 and DC residents deserve continued access to this end-of-life choice. To read more and learn how you can support MAID remaining a legal right to those residing in our nation’s capital please read here: Protect MAiD in DC.

📣 Take Action

Stand up for D.C. residents and the right to choose a peaceful end. Read more and then send your message to Congress.

Use the Find Your Representative feature on the U.S. House of Representatives website to let them know you stand with 67% of D.C. residents who polled in favor of MAiD.

​Here's a sample Message to Congress:

​I am writing to urge you to respect the right of District of Columbia residents, who overwhelmingly support the Death with Dignity Act, to make personal end-of-life choices without congressional interference. Every American should have the right to autonomy and compassion at the end of life. Please oppose any effort to repeal or weaken D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act.

Medical Aid in Dying Wins across the Northeast

Over the past several months advocates have been showing up in their state legislatures across the country to demand access to medical aid in dying. Today we highlight two of these success stories.

New York legislature passes Medical Aid in Dying Act

After many years of persistent advocacy, New York’s Medical Aid in Dying bill has passed both chambers of the New York legislature. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for her consideration and signature. We strongly urge Governor Hochul to listen to the majority of New Yorkers, Democrats and Republicans alike who support access to the full range of end-of-life options and sign the Medical Aid in Dying bill. You can read more about this historic vote and share your support for the bill with Governor Hochul’s office here: New York Medical Aid in Dying Bill.

Maine provides shorter waiting periods for those in dire need

Like all states where medical aid in dying is legal, Maine’s Death with Dignity law requires a waiting period from the initial request for MAID medication until the prescription can be provided. While this waiting period is intended to ensure a thoughtful process, it can also result in prolonged suffering. Maine’s Governor Janet Mills recently signed LD613, an amendment to the Maine Death with Dignity law. This amendment allows physicians to use their clinical discretion to waive up to 10 days of the 17-day waiting period for qualified terminally ill patients. We’re happy that these Maine patients will be able to consult with their doctors and have their suffering lessened.

How does the work we do at Patient Choices Vermont support these national efforts?

Those advocating to expand access to medical aid in dying count on us to demonstrate that MAID is a safe and compassionate end of life care option. When we provide critical education and support to patients, families and clinicians looking for accurate, comprehensive information, we help to ensure that MAID is practiced safely, following all requirements of the law. In addition, our work serving patients and medical providers in other states when a person is seeking MAID in VT helps people in those states understand clearly how MAID fits into the end of life care spectrum. Patient Choices Vermont serves as a model to states across the country when advocating for and implementing their own MAID laws and we often testify in support of MAID legislation in other states.

Thank You
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We were heartened to have welcomed many new supporters into the Patient Choices Vermont community during our spring fundraising drive. If you missed this opportunity to contribute, we invite you to consider a financial gift today. We’re grateful to all of you who stand with us.

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Patient Choices Vermont
PO Box 671
Shelburne, VT 05482

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