Compassion & Choices Magazine: Spring 2025

Published May 22, 2025
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The Courage to Advocate

This issue of Compassion & Choices Magazine introduces you to some of the powerful voices shaping the future of end-of-life care. On our cover, we feature advocates from across the nation, each contributing to a growing movement for end-of-life rights. Follow Lynda Bluestein on her journey of self-determination as captured in an intimate documentary. Read how Deltra James has turned a cancer diagnosis into an inspiring call for everyone to be empowered to plan their own care. And learn from Marie Cooper’s resolute efforts in West Virginia to ensure patient directives are honored. Through the lens of personal advocacy and updates on our national programs and latest legislative victories across the country, you’ll see how people just like you are driving meaningful change in end-of-life care and options. What unites these remarkable women, whether they’re challenging outdated laws, demanding that medical directives be honored or bravely sharing their stories, is their unwavering advocacy for patient autonomy. At Compassion & Choices, we believe that everyone deserves the tools and support to follow the path that’s right for them. That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of resources that empower people to make informed, values-based decisions about their care.

These stories also highlight the vital work of our legal advocacy program, which has grown significantly in recent years. We’re thrilled to share that we’ve restructured and rebranded this work into our End of Life Justice Center, with clearly defined projects and initiatives that make it easier than ever to understand your rights, and to reach out to us when those rights are at risk. If you or someone you know is facing barriers to end-of-life care or struggling to have their wishes respected, we encourage you to connect with us. You can read more about this exciting development here.

Kevin Díaz, JD

President and CEO

Featured Articles

Montana Becomes a Battleground for End-of-Life Options — Again

As Montana lawmakers considered rolling back end-of-life options, advocates across the country show us why MAID is worth fighting for.

Taking Action After a Patient Directive is Denied in West Virginia

Marie Cooper’s advance directive was disregarded by hospital staff when they intubated her against her wishes. Now she’s working with Compassion & Choices to try to prevent the same thing from happening to someone else.

Introducing … Compassion Legal: The End of Life Justice Center at Compassion & Choices

Advocates for your rights to quality care at the end of life.

Lynda Bluestein’s Advocacy Takes Center Stage in Other Side

Documentary brings MAID to the big screen

Read More of Compassion & Choices Fall Magazine

Words & Pictures

In The Media

Recent features in news media from outlets across the nation and around the world.
national programs update

National Programs Update

Read updates from Compassion & Choices national efforts.
advocacy in action

M.A.I.D. in the USA

Highlights of state efforts to expand end-of-life options for all.

Champion, Invite, Invest

You drive our movement. Your recurring gifts allow us to provide valuable resources to those navigating end-of-life care and options.

How your support impacts others…

Each. $ gift

provides an individual with a printed copy of C&C’s Dementia Values and Priorities Tool.

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Each. $ gift

allows a Compassion & Choices volunteer to provide an advance care planning session to a continuing care/retirement community.

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Each. $ gift

gives an individual access to one hour of end-of-life care consultation through our End-of-Life Consultation service

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Read previous issues

Magazine Staff

David Blank, Michael Cavaiola, Alyssa Cowan, Frankie Flowers, Marina Gephart, Patricia A. González-Portillo, Ellie Hutchison Cervantes, Stephen Hyde, Alyson Lynch, Chris Meacham, Kelsey Michael, Mickey MacIntyre

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8156 S Wadsworth Blvd., #E-162
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In the normal course of business, Compassion & Choices regularly exchanges mailing lists with other like-minded organizations. If you would like to have your name removed from these exchanges, please notify us in writing, including your name and address. We will honor your wish upon receipt of your request.

cover: Frankie Flowers; cover: Lost Coast Media; cover, p. 1, p. 6: Daymon Long; cover, p. 5 (middle): courtesy of Deltra James; pg. 1, 9, 10, 11: courtesy of Carter Oakley & Heather Hogan / Other Side; p. 3 (top), 5 (right), 14, 16 (bottom right and left): courtesy of Compassion & Choices; p. 3 (bottom): LBJ Library photo by Lauren Gerson; p.5 (left): J. Emilio Flores; p. 16 (top 2): Starks Films; p. 16 (bottom middle): courtesy of the Latinx Task Force; p. 17: Eric Pomerantz

General Mailing Address:
Compassion & Choices
8156 S Wadsworth Blvd #E-162
Littleton, CO 80128

Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750

Compassion & Choices is a 501 C3 organization. Federal tax number: 84-1328829

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