Maryland Delegate Shane Pendergrass: A Legacy of Leadership for End-of-Life Options

byDonna Smith, Maryland Campaign Director, Compassion & Choices
Apr 8, 2022 delegate pendergrass Donna Smith Maryland End of Life Option Act

For the past seven years, Delegate Shane Pendergrass has been the leader in the efforts to pass medical aid-in-dying legislation in Maryland, known as the Maryland Richard E. Israel and Roger “Pip” Moyer End of Life Option Act. This bill would give terminally ill Maryland residents with six months or less to live the option to obtain prescription medication that they could take if their suffering becomes intolerable, so they can die peacefully.

Del. Pendergrass’ legacy in the end-of-life options movement in Maryland is undeniable. . We’ve attended countless lobby days and meetings together, and I’ve witnessed firsthand her steadfast commitment to terminally ill people and their families. Our community of lawmakers and constituents, with the leadership of Del. Pendergrass, helped advance the bill through the House of Delegates in 2019.

Delegate Pendergrass recognizes that medical aid in dying should not be a controversial issue, because all Marylanders will face the end of life. She is driven by the needs of her constituents and the community she represents. . Terminally ill people can’t spare the time to wait for this compassionate legislation to become law. It’s overdue for lawmakers to make it a priority to pass the End of Life Option Act as soon as possible, so that terminally ill Marylanders have this gentle dying option. We will finish what Del. Pendergrass started, with her leadership in mind.