Around the country, this month marks the start of new legislative sessions. Even though many of us at Compassion & Choices have been advocating for medical aid-in-dying (MAID) for years and even decades, this year feels different. With a new administration and shifting lawmaker priorities, we’re once again ready to champion policies that ensure each individual’s end-of-life experience is consistent with their own values and priorities.
What does MAID mean for Americans today? We envision a future where everyone has access to this compassionate end-of-life option when it aligns with their beliefs. Medical aid in dying provides terminally ill individuals comfort, control and the choice to limit their suffering in their final days. Critically, its availability signals a transformative shift in medicine—away from a focus dominated by health systems and clinicians, and toward a patient-centered approach that places informed decision-making and personal values at the forefront.
Across the nation, more volunteers than ever are mobilizing to advance medical aid-in-dying legislation. Compassion & Choices is concentrating on key states — such as Delaware, Illinois, New York, Maryland and Massachusetts — where momentum is strong. In Montana, we will defend doctors against any legislative attempts to criminalize MAID, just as we have done successfully before. We will continue to devote resources to support volunteer forces on the ground, protecting and expanding end-of-life options.
We won’t stop there. Compassion & Choices is ready to advocate at the federal level: protecting Washington, D.C.’s Death with Dignity law, ensuring equitable access to MAID and improving end-of-life care for all. We hope you will join us in our ongoing communications to lawmakers because your emails, calls and letters can make a decisive difference.
As the year begins, we are deeply grateful for each action that supporters and advocates take to shape more compassionate care. Whether you volunteer, donate, attend webinars or participate in action days, your involvement is vital. Our work to ensure patient-focused end-of-life care that respects individual values always starts with and stands by you, your loved ones and your community.
Kevin Díaz
Interim CEO
Compassion & Choices
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
Michael Cavaiola
National Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
Phone: (480) 622 4427
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750