Washington voters overwhelmingly supported medical aid in dying in 2008, and the next year the legislature empowered mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or left to live by giving them the option to get a doctor’s prescription for medication they can decide to take if their suffering becomes unbearable.
A new bipartisan bill in the state legislature, HB 1141, would expand access to medical aid in dying for Washingtonians by increasing the number of attending or consulting medical providers for individuals seeking this compassionate option, reducing the waiting period and allowing it to be waived in extreme circumstances, and modernizing the rules around obtaining the prescription from a pharmacy.
On Monday, January 18, the Washington House Committee on Health Care & Wellness held a hearing on the legislation. Compassion & Choices Action Network President and CEO Kim Callinan provided oral testimony (starting at 1:35:05) in support of HB 1141. The bill passed through the committee two days later by a vote of 11 to 4. On February 25, 2021 the Washington State House of Representatives passed the bill 60-37. It will now move on to the Senate. The Compassion & Choices Action Network and End of Life Washington are working in partnership to advance this bill.
Tools and Resources
For Patients
Learn whether you are eligible for the Washington Death with Dignity Act.
End-of-Life Planning
Use our step-by-step guide and the Washington Advance Directive to chart your journey.
Recursos en Español
Recursos en Español.
COVID-19 Toolkit
Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 and end of life care.
Resources for Providers
Find resources tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.
Dementia Values & Priorities Tool
Use our tool to document your preferences to make sure you get the care you want.
