Messages from Doula KaseyResources, motivation, and tools to help you and your loved ones have a well supported death
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Let’s talk about something that might feel a little heavy—but it’s something that touches all of us eventually: death. Specifically, we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming more common in public discourse, but still isn’t widely understood--medical aid in dying. You may have heard the term, or maybe you know it by another name like “assisted dying” or “death with dignity.” But what does it really mean? And more importantly, why is medical aid in dying important? We’re going to explore the facts, the emotions, the ethical debates, and the legal landscape. And throughout it all, we’ll keep coming back to that central question: why is medical aid in dying important? Because when it comes to end-of-life choices, people deserve compassion, clarity, and control.  What Is Medical Aid in Dying? First things first—what are we even talking about? Medical aid in dying (MAID) refers to a legal process in which a terminally ill, mentally capable adult requests and receives a prescription medication from a healthcare provider, which they can take to peacefully end their life. It’s voluntary, it’s self-administered, and it’s reserved for those who meet strict eligibility criteria. Not to be confused with euthanasia (which involves a third party administering life-ending medication), medical aid in dying puts the power in the hands of the person who is dying. That distinction is key. And it’s one of the reasons why many people feel strongly about the issue. It also shouldn't be conflated with suicide, where a person is choosing to end their life. In the case of medical aid in dying an individual has a terminal diagnosis with a short prognosis. These individuals are not choosing between living and dying. They are choosing the timing and manner of their death. So, why is medical aid in dying important? It honors personal autonomy. It gives individuals the option to die on their own terms, with dignity and peace, rather than endure prolonged suffering that cannot be relieved. A Brief History and Where It’s Legal Let’s zoom out for a second. In the United States, as April 2025, medical aid in dying is legal in:
Each of these states has its own version of a Death with Dignity Act or similar law. Requirements typically include:
Now you might be asking again, why is medical aid in dying important if it’s not available everywhere? That’s part of the problem—it isn’t accessible to everyone. People living in states without legal access often face enormous emotional and financial burdens if they want this option. Some relocate temporarily. Others suffer in silence. Legalization matters because it brings relief, support, and choice to those at the end of life. Why Is Medical Aid in Dying Important for Patients? For patients facing a terminal illness, the road ahead is often paved with pain—physical, emotional, spiritual. Palliative care and hospice can offer relief, but they don’t always cover every base. In some cases, despite the best care, people experience unbearable suffering. And individual have the right to choose their end of life care. So again, why is medical aid in dying important? Because it provides an option—a last resort, yes, but an option nonetheless. It’s about control. It’s about being able to say, “I’ve reached my limit, I’ve lived my life, and I’m ready.” We talk a lot about quality of life, but what about the quality of death? Medical aid in dying allows a person to say goodbye on their own terms, surrounded by loved ones, at a time and place of their choosing. That’s not giving up. That’s courage. Why Is Medical Aid in Dying Important for Families? This is a huge part of the conversation. When someone chooses medical aid in dying, it gives families a chance to say goodbye. To gather. To prepare. It can transform death from a moment of trauma into a ritual of peace. Sure, it’s still hard. It’s still loss. But for many families, watching a loved one suffer is the hardest part. Knowing they had the power to choose a peaceful end can ease the grief, not amplify it. So why is medical aid in dying important for families? Because it can reduce trauma. It can give meaning. And it can offer closure. Addressing the Concerns It’s normal to have questions and even doubts. What about religious or moral beliefs? What about the risk of coercion? Let’s break it down. Most MAID laws have multiple safeguards to ensure consent and protect against abuse. Two physicians must confirm the diagnosis and prognosis. The patient must be of sound mind. There’s usually a waiting period (in Vermont appointments with a prescribing physician must be AT LEAST 15 calendar days apart), and the person must be able to self-administer the medication. Religious objections are valid, and personal. But in a pluralistic society, one belief system shouldn’t dictate the rights of all. Medical aid in dying is voluntary. No one is forced to use it. But the option must exist for those who need it. That’s another reason why medical aid in dying is important—because it balances freedom of choice with safeguards, respect, and compassion. A Tool, Not a Replacement Let’s be clear—medical aid in dying is not a replacement for palliative care. It’s not an either/or situation. In fact, most people who pursue MAID are also enrolled in hospice. The goal isn't to rush death. The goal is to avoid needless suffering when all other avenues have been exhausted. Why is medical aid in dying important in this context? Because it complements existing care options. It rounds out the end-of-life care spectrum with one final, voluntary choice. Real People, Real Stories It’s one thing to talk policy. It’s another to hear from people living this reality. Take Brittany Maynard, for example—a 29-year-old woman with terminal brain cancer who chose to move to Oregon to access medical aid in dying in 2014. Her story reignited national debate and inspired advocacy across the country. Or consider the countless anonymous voices who write letters to legislators, begging for relief—not because they’re afraid of dying, but because they’re afraid of how they’ll die. Why is medical aid in dying important? Because real people are pleading for it—not out of fear, but out of love for life and a desire to control how it ends. The Role of Healthcare Providers Doctors and nurses are often on the frontlines of this conversation. And while some choose not to participate (which is totally allowed under most laws), many see MAID as an extension of patient-centered care. When done well, it’s a team effort: physicians, pharmacists, hospice staff, counselors, bedside attendants (like death doulas), and family members. It takes empathy, training, and transparency. And that leads to another answer to why is medical aid in dying important—because it encourages conversations about death that are often avoided. It opens doors for shared decision-making and informed consent. Advocacy and Access If you’re wondering what you can do, here are a few places to start:
Because ultimately, why is medical aid in dying important? It pushes us to advocate. To speak up. To create a system where people facing the end of life don’t have to suffer in silence. The Bigger Picture Medical aid in dying also reflects larger themes in healthcare and society—autonomy, consent, dignity, justice. It’s about trusting people to make their own decisions, even at life’s end. It’s about making space for grief and for grace. And it’s about recognizing that death, like birth, can be a deeply personal and meaningful transition. That’s why we keep asking: why is medical aid in dying important? Because the answer touches every part of being human. Final Thoughts If you’ve made it this far, thank you for being open to a tough conversation. Whether or not you personally support medical aid in dying, I hope this helped you understand it a little better. And if you’re still asking why is medical aid in dying important, here’s one last reason: Because we deserve choices. We deserve dignity. We deserve the right to write the final chapter of our own stories.
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AuthorKasey March is a Death Doula, End-of-Life Educator, & Advocate Archives
June 2025
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Doula Care for Dying, LLC. serves southern Vermont, New Hampshire, and nationwide virtually.
Call (802) 546-1110
Email: [email protected]
Call (802) 546-1110
Email: [email protected]