A new victory — and a promise fulfilled

By Dan Diaz

When my wife, Brittany Maynard, died in 2014, only four states had authorized medical aid in dying. We had to leave our home in California for Oregon so that Brittany could experience a gentle death rather than endure the horrific fate dictated by an aggressive brain tumor. 

I promised Brittany that I would help pass legislation in California and other states around the country so that no one else would have to do what she did, leaving their home for another state after being told they have less than six months to live. 

Brittany’s story ignited a movement: Less than a year after her death, California passed its End of Life Option Act. 

Now, 10 years later, 11 states and the District of Columbia have authorized medical aid in dying. And the promise I made to Brittany — that terminally ill Californians should have this option, permanently — is being fulfilled. 

On October 3, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 403, making the state’s End of Life Option Act permanent. The original legislation passed in 2015 contained a sunset provision. But now, thanks to the hard work of so many advocates, medical aid in dying will be a secure end-of-life option for qualifying terminally ill Californians. 

This milestone in California is not only the fulfillment of an important promise I made to Brittany. It’s the culmination of decades of advocacy and a testament to the profound power of real human stories like Brittany’s. Now, as we approach the 11th anniversary of her death on November 1, her story continues to make an impact on the legislators I meet. 

Brittany had the gentle death she wanted because of medical aid in dying. Other eligible terminally ill people, not only in California but across the country, deserve the same option. 

Compassion & Choices is leading the charge to make that happen. 

Step by step. 

State by state. 

To learn more about our efforts to pass and protect medical aid-in-dying laws nationwide, click here.