A terminally ill, mentally capable adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live, the option to request, obtain and take medication — should they choose — to die peacefully in their sleep if their suffering becomes unbearable.
In all authorized states, to be eligible, a person must be:
Individuals are not eligible for medical aid in dying solely because of age or disability.
The individual must be able to self-administer the medication.
Two healthcare providers must confirm that the individual is terminally ill with prognosis of six months or less to live, mentally capable, and not being coerced.
A terminally ill individual can withdraw their request for medication, not take the medication once they have it or otherwise change their mind at any point.
The attending healthcare provider must inform the requesting individual about all of their end-of-life care options, including comfort care, hospice care, palliative care, and pain control.
A mental health evaluation is required if either healthcare provider has concerns about the individual’s capacity to make an informed health care decision; the prescription cannot be written until the mental health professional confirms capacity.
Healthcare providers who participate and comply with all aspects of the law are given civil and criminal immunity.
Anyone attempting to coerce a patient will face criminal prosecution.
Life insurance payments cannot be denied to the families of those who use the law.
No healthcare provider is required to participate.
Legislation & Primary Sponsors:
Cosponsors:
Melissa Stacy
Regional Advocacy Director, Northeast
508-893-1687
[email protected]
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
