By Kevin Díaz, Compassion & Choices President & CEO

For more than 30 years, Compassion & Choices has worked to ensure that people can make informed decisions about the kind of healthcare they want as they approach the end of life. That includes end-of-life options like medical aid in dying, a medical practice for qualified adults dying from a terminal illness.

Today, those choices face growing legal and political threats. 

In two federal lawsuits filed by United Spinal and other groups, the argument is being made that medical aid in dying is outside of the scope of legitimate medical care. If these arguments succeed, they could lay the groundwork for laws or court decisions that block access to this care. 

We’ve seen similar consequences in recent cases. In June, the Supreme Court in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic ruled that Medicaid beneficiaries cannot sue states under federal law to enforce their right to choose a qualified clinician. That decision has broad implications for a patient’s ability to choose their own care, including at the end of their lives. 

Legal efforts to redefine medical aid in dying threaten to marginalize it and other end-of-life options. The arguments made in United Spinal could have harmful consequences for patient autonomy across the U.S. End-of-life care should be governed by individual values and medical standards. The threat is real and immediate. We’ve seen these tactics outlined in Project 2025: a political agenda aimed at redefining healthcare and limiting patient choice.

At Compassion & Choices, we believe in a different future–one where end-of-life care is guided by medical expertise and individual values. That’s why our End of Life Justice Center is challenging these lawsuits in court. And it’s why we’re calling on lawmakers, healthcare providers, and everyday people to protect the full spectrum of end-of-life options, including medical aid in dying.

You can help.

• Talk to your healthcare provider and loved ones about your end-of-life wishes. Our resources can help you make a plan.

• Join our Action Network to speak up when your rights are threatened.

• Call on Compassion Legal if you or a loved one are struggling to get the end of life care and options you want, so we can help defend patient choice and care access in our courts.

Healthcare decisions should happen between patients and their trusted healthcare team. Stand with us to protect your right to choose the care that is right for you.

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