Vermont Senate Bill 74 Signed into Law!

We are pleased to announce that Senate Bill 74 was signed by the Governor today, marking an important milestone for Vermonters who value end-of-life choice. This bill, passed with strong tri-partisan support, updates and improves the state’s Patient Choice at End of Life Law, Act 39. ​

With the passage of Senate Bill 74, a patient can now make the required requests for medical aid in dying by video telemedicine when their doctor determines that this approach is appropriate. The bill also eliminates the additional 48-hour delay at the end of the process before a patient can receive the prescription and corrects what was a technical deficiency in the immunity clause of Act 39.

It was the voices of people like Karen Oelschlaeger who had struggled through the Act 39 process that brought these issues to the attention of the legislature.  ​

“My daughter, Karen Oelschlaeger would be pleased to know that by speaking about her experience with medical aid in dying she had a positive influence that will benefit future patients. Thank you to the Vermont legislature for passing S.74.” - Linda Oelschlaeger

Willem Jewett's family played a key role as well, highlighting his work as a legislative leader to pass Act 39, and then the diagnosis that led to his decision to use medical aid in dying.

There are so many people to thank - witnesses, sponsors of the bill, legislative committee leaders, new legislators who became versed in how aid in dying fits into the spectrum of end-of-life care, and of course, PCV's own team. Our gratitude goes out to all of you.

A number of legislators thanked PCV for educating them on the need for these updates. It is only because of our strong network of supporters, doctors, and care-givers that we were able to identify the needs and bring this effort to a successful conclusion.

Thanks to all of you who continue to support this work both financially and by contacting your legislators.

We look forward to updating medical and hospice providers about the changes in the law, which we expect to make for a smoother, less stressful process.