Coming to terms with the realities of death and understanding the benefit of end-of-life options can be a journey. Compassion & Choices researched statements from doctors, professors and politicians and interviewed our own Storytellers to find out their personal turning point from being opposed to medical aid in dying to becoming avid supporters.

The stories of these five people illustrate two different perspectives on why each person changed their mind about medical aid in dying: watching a loved one die in agony had a profound, lasting effect and people with doubts changed their minds when they saw the emotional, physical peace and comfort medical aid in dying can bring terminally ill people and their families.

Dr. Cynthia Chatterjee

Illinois Psychiatrist

Dr. Chatterjee’s 94-year-old father and resident of Washington State decided to utilize medical aid in dying to peacefully end his suffering caused by a cardiac condition. Dr. Chatterjee shared in her written testimonial, “Although I had no objection to my father’s opting for medical aid in

dying, I had a lot of anxiety about the process. But once I observed his death, I was convinced that it was a compassionate act. After taking the medication, he fell asleep within three minutes, and died peacefully within 15 minutes. There was no struggling or gasping for breath, which had been his greatest fear. I came away from my father’s death wishing that everyone could have the opportunity to have such a peaceful passing.” (Oct. 7, 2023)

Edgar Flores

Nevada State Senator

After learning more about the issue and hearing testimony from terminally ill Nevadans, Senator

Flores became a supporter and the lead bill sponsor. He stated, “Working with Compassion & Choices helped me understand the importance of expanding options at the end of life. The firsthand knowledge and experience of working with individuals, families and the community on these important issues empowered me to use my leadership in the Nevada Senate to help ensure people are aware about getting the care they want — or do not want — so they can chart their end-of-life journey.” (Nov. 15, 2023)

Kenyan R. McDuffie

Washington, D.C. Councilmember

D.C. Councilmember McDuffie grappled with his own feelings about medical aid in dying prior to the passage of the Washington, D.C. Death with Dignity Act. After witnessing the death of his father earlier that year, he changed his stance. As quoted in the Washington Post, “My family had to watch him suffer, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone else.” (Nov. 1, 2016)

Anthony Randolph

New York Storyteller

After watching his brother suffer in prolonged agony from lung cancer, Anthony became a supporter. He shared, “I understand why people oppose medical aid in dying. But I ask you to spend 24 hours with someone who is dying and suffering. There’s no way you’re going to see all that and not support the option of medical aid in dying. My brother suffered needlessly, and the whole family, including James’ children, watched. We suffered by watching. I still think about watching him take his last breaths. There has to be a better way. That’s why I support New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act.” (April 2019)

[Photo] Al Taylor

New York Assemblyman

Assemblyman Taylor, a clergy leader, opposed medical aid in dying until he realized it’s about

eliminating suffering. According to the Empire Report, he said, “My dad was sick for several years and I was one of his principal caregivers. His condition — and his quality of life — deteriorated to the point that he was wrenched in agony and couldn’t get out of bed.” Taylor said

his dad told him, “I can’t live like this.” Taylor is now a supporter and co-sponsor of the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York which would legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill people with less than six months to live. “Losing him as I did — feeling helpless in the face of his suffering and his clear desire to pass — forced me to reconsider my longstanding and adamant opposition to medical aid in dying.” (Dec. 6, 2023)

Currently, medical aid in dying is available in 10 states — California, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington State — as well as Washington, D.C. Support is needed all across the United States to create change in every state. The movement is mighty but still needs support to help inform, empower, advocate and defend everyone’s right to chart their end-of-life journey.

Will you become a supporter? Visit CandC.org/state-advocacy to learn how.

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