Death with Dignity

So many new folks have joined us in the last few months-welcome!👋Want to learn more about DWD? Check out our online resource “What is DWD?” to learn more about an end-of-life option that provides those with a terminal illness choice and peace of mind. deathwithdignity.org/resources/what…

Supporting someone through grief is something many of us will experience at some point in our lives. In an effort to comfort those we love, we often turn to phrases like “you’re so strong.” In a recent blog post by our MSW intern Colin Mosgrove, he explores how these well-intentioned words can sometimes feel unhelpful or distancing. Drawing from his personal experiences with loss and his time at Death with Dignity, Colin reflects on one of the most meaningful ways to support someone through grief: simply being present. Read Colin’s blog to learn what being present looks like and you can offer comfort to someone you love: tinyurl.com/3uc5b5w6 #deathwithdignity #medicalaidindying #grief

“When we left that appointment, nothing was simple anymore. We were carrying grief, but also something unexpected: relief. For the first time since his diagnosis, there was a way for my father to avoid a prolonged, devastating decline.” When doctors told Jim he likely had less than a year to live after his ALS diagnosis, he calmly asked, “What about the end-of-life option?” He understood what the disease would eventually bring, and he wanted the ability to avoid unnecessary suffering. In 2022, Jim decided to pursue medical aid in dying under California’s End of Life Option Act. By then, the disease had already taken so much from him: his strength, his ability to eat normally, and the future he had imagined for himself. On July 9, 2022, surrounded by family at home, Jim died peacefully through medical aid in dying. There was no fear, chaos, or emergency in his final moments. Only peace, love, and the comfort of knowing he was able to make this decision for himself. ALS ended Jim’s life. California’s law allowed him to decide how that life would end. Read Jim’s story and learn why protecting end-of-life options matters so deeply to families across the U.S. tinyurl.com/3chr9sss

For the first time since 2018, Ohio has introduced the Medical Aid in Dying Act (HB835). Representative Eric Synenberg introduced this legislation during his press conference — a major step forward after years of advocacy to bring an aid-in-dying law to the Buckeye State. Alongside him, our Board President, Lisa Vigil Schattinger, Shara Baumgartel of Marietta, Jim O’Neil of Waterville, and Michael Oser of Columbus shared deeply personal stories that underscored why the time to pass HB835 is now. Read more about why Ohioans are passionate about passing medical aid in dying, and how you can support their efforts here: tinyurl.com/2hud6np6 #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

“Chuck didn’t want to die the way he did. He wanted what so many terminally ill people want: the comfort of knowing that when suffering became too much, he could choose a gentle, peaceful end.” After living with ALS for seven years, Chuck made the difficult decision to stop eating and drinking to end his life because medical aid in dying was not available to him in Massachusetts, and he was too ill to travel to another state where it was legal. Chuck was fiercely independent, thoughtful, and clear about what he wanted at the end of his life. ALS took his speech, mobility, and independence—but never his ability to make decisions about his own body and future. His death took more than ten days. His wife, Terry, shares their story because no family should be forced to endure unnecessary suffering at the end of life. Read Chuck’s story and learn why this fight is so personal for families in Massachusetts and across the U.S. tinyurl.com/mt46zwjh

With Mother’s Day coming up, we’re honoring three mothers from three different states, each with the same end-of-life wish, and three different outcomes. We know this time of year around Mother’s Day can bring a mix of emotions—joy, grief, gratitude, and longing for some of you. However you’re holding that space, we want you to know you’re not alone. We’re thinking of you too. ❤️ Read our Mother’s Day reflection: ow.ly/GvgW50YVS4Z #MothersDay #EndOfLifeCare #HonoringMothers #RememberingMoms

Mid-session update: New Jersey’s S710, an amendment to the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, is still in the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. The amendment would waive the 15-day waiting period for patients who are not expected to survive the 15 days. We need YOUR HELP to make sure New Jersey legislators give this bill a public hearing! Share this post with your New Jersey community to grow support for medical aid in dying, urging them to write to their legislators today! tinyurl.com/23dk385d #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

“Grandpa Chet isn’t here to fight this battle, but I am. I am asking my fellow Ohioans and our state legislators to look at the faces of their own loved ones and ask: If they were in agony, would you want to tell them your hands are tied? Or would you want to allow them this option that gives them the peace they’ve earned?” Shara Baumgartel is one of the many advocates from Ohio, who shared personal testimonies last week in support of Ohio’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. Elevating the voice of her Grandpa Chet, an 88-year old man from Southeast Ohio, Shara’s Op-Ed comes from a place of love and support of her Grandpa’s final wish — to bring medical aid in dying to Ohio. A powerful 2 min read, we encourage you to read Shara’s Op-Ed: ow.ly/YTpX50YTxC2 #MedicalAidInDying #EndOfLifeCare #DignityInDying #PatientRights

Mid-session update: Pennsylvania’s Compassionate Aid in Dying Act (HB1109/SB570) is still in the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. We need YOUR HELP to make sure Pennsylvania legislators give this bill a public hearing! Share this post with your Pennsylvania community to grow support for medical aid in dying, urging them to write to their legislators today! tinyurl.com/mr3bs3j9 #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

For decades, Sean has supported families through end-of-life care and has seen how much choice matters. In Colorado, Death with Dignity brings peace—but it’s under threat. Read her story and help protect Death with Dignity ow.ly/POuW50YSPWc #DeathWithDignity #EndOfLifeCare #PalliativeCare #ColoradoCare

Shortly after Governor Hochul signed New York’s medical-aid-in-dying law, our Death with Dignity CEO, Peg Sandeen, joined hosts Jorge Ramos and Paola Ramos on their podcast The Moment. Read our blog to learn more about their thoughtful conversation about how the law works, the deeply personal decisions patients choose to make, and the complex feelings of confronting the end of life: tinyurl.com/3b8wt5rb #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

Advocates Laura and Scott are fighting for Death with Dignity in Massachusetts. Read their story—a relationship of travel, adventure, and love in the face of an ALS diagnosis—to learn more about why they advocate for Death with Dignity. ow.ly/JHhC50YOP1H #DeathWithDignity #ALSAwareness #EndOfLifeCare #DignityInDying

Michigan introduced the Death with Dignity Act (HB5825), a bill that would legalize Death with Dignity. It has already been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations. Now we need YOUR help to make sure the committee supports the bill! Share this post to make sure Michiganders know to write to the committee today! tinyurl.com/yhff4uuc #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

Ohio introduced the Ohio Medical Aid in Dying Act, a bill that would legalize Death with Dignity. Now we need YOUR help to ensure Ohioans are raising their voices about this bill. Share this post so Ohioans can share their stories today! tinyurl.com/pf7mh6ma #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying #2026legislativesession

Ohio State Representative Eric Synenberg (District 21-Beachwood) is holding a press conference with our partner, Ohio End of Life Options, to announce the introduction of the Ohio Medical Aid in Dying Act! JOIN US as we listen to the bill sponsor discuss the bill in real time. This is your chance to learn about the first medical-aid-in-dying bill to be introduced in Ohio since 2018: ohiochannel.org

Gavel in! North Carolina’s session starts today, and H410, legislation that would direct the North Carolina Institute of Medicine to conduct a study on medical aid in dying, has carried over into the new session. H410 is now in the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee, and we need YOUR HELP to make sure North Carolina legislators send this bill to a committee where it can receive a public hearing! Share this post with your North Carolina community to grow support for medical aid in dying, urging them to write to their legislators today! tinyurl.com/5crk8m6x #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying

“What mattered most to her wasn’t doctrine. It was dignity. It was mercy. It was the right to avoid unnecessary suffering.” In the winter of 2025, Julie’s mother, Linda, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was a devastating moment for their family, arriving quickly and changing everything they thought the future would look like. As Linda’s illness progressed, she began to think seriously about how she wanted the end of her life to unfold. She wanted access to Death with Dignity in Wisconsin, the ability to have some control and peace as her disease advanced. But that option wasn’t available to her there. Instead, her family had to navigate a reality where Linda’s choices were limited, even as she faced an illness that was steadily taking more from her each day. If you believe families deserve compassion, autonomy, and peace at the end of life, read Julie’s story here: tinyurl.com/nhzhjsy7

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day! Honor your wishes and end-of-life planning with The Life File, a simple checklist to organize your intentions and make end-of-life planning easier. Get started: tinyurl.com/mrxa9xjn

April is the midpoint of the legislative session in many states. At this point, lawmakers are making big decisions about bills and amendments that could expand access, strengthen protections, or restrict end-of-life options. Whether your state is advancing legislation, facing opposition, or just beginning the conversation, we’ve gathered a snapshot of where things are currently. Find your state and learn how you can take meaningful action: tinyurl.com/3yeydhc3 #deathwithdignity #endoflifeoptions #medicalaidindying #2026legislativesession

More states in the midwest are joining the conversation on Death with Dignity, and Wisconsin is the latest. Our CEO, Peg Sandeen shares why these laws matter with The Cap Times: tinyurl.com/mt4z2xh7 #DeathWithDignity #EndOfLifeChoice #MedicalAidInDying #WisconsinLegislation

Kentucky resident Steve is dying of incurable cancer. He wants to spend his final days at home, in peace, surrounded by love. Rena’s Law could make that possible. KY residents, tell your lawmakers to act: ow.ly/hwHu50YxQP1