VPR Highlights Challenges for People Traveling to Vermont for Medical Aid in Dying

9/8/2024

...and Porter Medical Center’s Grief Support Group

Three-quarters of Americans still do not have access to medical aid in dying (MAID) in their home states. As more people around the country learn about this option through media reporting, popular books and films, they are seeking access to aid in dying here in Vermont and in Oregon. We are the only two states that have amended our MAID laws to confirm that a person's state of residency should not stand in the way of their access to this healthcare service.

Vermont Public's Mikaela Lefrak recently reported on the challenges that people face when they want to obtain medical aid in dying in Vermont. She noted that there is not enough capacity in our state's medical system to serve all the terminally ill patients who want to travel here for end-of-life support. That is true. While our small state may never be able to serve everyone who would like to come here, there is room for improvement.

Vermont medical providers work hard to serve their existing patients. Dozens now have experience prescribing under Act 39 and many seek PCV's guidance when prescribing for the first time. Their questions are often nuanced and include a combination of medical practice and procedural concerns. Happily, we are seeing fewer situations where a patient with an existing relationship with a physician has trouble accessing medical aid in dying.

Many of Vermont's doctors are now being asked to help people from out of state, yet with a new patient and the logistics involved, serving these patients is much more complicated. PCV is working to make it easier for doctors and their staff to serve these patients. Our helpline team and the PCV Wayfinders respond to many of these patients, saving doctors a great deal of time. The doctors who volunteer on PCV's team coach other MDs who are serving out-of-state patients for the first time.

Thousands of people obtain valuable information from PCV's resources. We are grateful for our caring communities that welcome all patients, and we deeply appreciate the donations made from out of state, as well as from within Vermont, to support our work.

Click to Support Patient Choices Vermont

Grief Support Group Opportunity
Our colleagues at Porter Medical Center’s (PMC) Palliative Support Services are offering an 8-week Grief Support Group specifically designed for those who have supported a loved one through Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) or Voluntary Stopping of Eating or Drinking (VSED).

Artwork: © Die Slowly—Leonard Rubins

Group Details:

When: October 1 – November 19, 2024
Days: Every Tuesday
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT
Where: Online via Zoom

This support group will provide a safe and compassionate space for participants to share their experiences, express their feelings, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of grief related to MAID and VSED.
Facilitators: The group will be led by experienced professionals:

Taylor Zak, LCSW
Laurie Borden

Registration Information:

Advanced registration is required.
Participants must commit to attending the full 8-week series.
Group size is limited to 8-10 participants to foster a more intimate and supportive environment.

To register or inquire further about the group, please reach out to Louella Richer, Manager of PMC's Palliative Care & Support Services at [email protected], (802) 388-4744.

We are pleased to share these 14 photos from the Act 39 play:

On stage at Pentangle Arts in Woodstock on Thursday, September 12 – Friday, September 13 at 7PM and on Saturday, September 14 at 2PM and 7PM.

Click for tickets to Act 39.

As PCV supporter Peggy Stevens commented: "I saw the play on Sunday. Simply put, I was blown away! Even though it is eight years since my husband Eric died using MAID, I still have so much to process. Rob's play has helped me continue grieving in the most positive way imaginable."