Hawai‘i

Hawaii’s Our Care, Our Choice Act (OCOCA) went into effect on January 1, 2019. The Act authorizes medical aid in dying in the state, after nearly 20 years of on-the-ground organizing by supporters and Compassion & Choices. Governor David Ige signed the law on April 5, 2018.

OCOCA empowers terminally ill, mentally capable Hawai’i residents with six months or less to live to choose to take a prescription in their final days that will end unbearable suffering and allow them to die peacefully.

But due to Hawai’i’s severe doctor shortage, too many terminally ill patients are still unable to access medical aid in dying.

Qualified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) stand ready to serve, but as the law is written, they are currently prohibited from helping in this most crucial area.

Sign our petition to include APRNs as medical aid-in-dying prescribers: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/124/288/763/

Find more videos from our PSA campaign here.

Take Action

Attend an Event in Hawai‘i: Participate in virtual activities related to medical aid in dying and advance care planning.
Volunteer With Us: Join other passionate and dedicated individuals to work to re-enact legislation that improves care and expands end-of-life choice.
Follow us on Facebook.

Education & Outreach

In January 2020 alone, Compassion & Choices participated in multiple events with volunteers and supporters, including a successful panel discussion on the one year anniversary of the Our Care, Our Choice Act’s implementation. Learn more about the Hawai‘i Our care, Our Choice Act.

Access our Translated Resources in Six Languages