Latest news with #End-of-LifeOptionsAct
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Terminally Ill Man Fights for Right to Medical Aid in Dying, Seeks Control Over His Final Days: 'Prefer to Die Painlessly'
Jeff McComas, who lives in Minnesota, was diagnosed with terminal intestinal cancer and wants to travel to Colorado, where medical aid in dying is legal The 55-year-old is unable to end his life through Colorado's End-of-Life Options Act because the law requires in-state residency McComas and two Colorado physicians are now suing Colorado, claiming the law is discriminatory and unconstitutionalA terminally ill Minnesota man is suing Colorado, claiming that the state's ban on assisting out-of-state residents with medical aid in dying is unconstitutional. Jeff McComas, a retired engineer from Woodbury, Minnesota, was diagnosed with stage 4 intestinal cancer in January 2023. With chemotherapy, the 55-year-old was able to give himself more time. However, doctors informed him that his disease is terminal. 'The news came as a shock, and my family and I were in a state of disbelief. We have gone from shock to denial and anger, to negotiating, and finally to acceptance,' he said in a statement. 'While the side effects of cancer and its treatments can be burdensome, I fight through them, try not to complain and make the best of my time.' 'But even with my phenomenal medical team, my options in Minnesota are limited. I'll never be 'cancer free' or in remission. And at some point, the chemo will stop being effective, and either my cancer will continue spreading or the tumors will grow in size. I don't want a long, drawn-out end. I didn't pick this road, but I'm on it, and I want control in deciding when I've suffered enough.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. McComas said he wants the option of medical aid in dying (MAID). However, it's not available in his home state — a fact that he calls 'madness.' So, McComas said he wants the option to travel to Colorado, where the End-of-Life Options Act went into effect in 2016. The law allows patients with terminal illnesses to end their lives with lethal medication — without supervision of their medical team. It's different from euthanasia because the patients themselves administer prescribed drugs to end their lives, rather than a doctor. Euthanasia is illegal in the United States. In addition to Colorado, MAID laws have been authorized in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey and New Mexico. However, to qualify in Colorado, individuals must be residents of the state. 'If the pain from my disease becomes unbearable, I want the option of medical aid in dying,' McComas said in a statement. 'Since I cannot die on my own terms where I live, I should have the option of traveling to Colorado to access the care there. Right now that option does not exist.' is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! On May 22, nonprofit organization Compassion & Choices filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of McComas and two Colorado physicians. The complaint argues that the residency requirement of Colorado's End-of-Life Options Act violates the U.S. Constitution's Privileges and Immunities Clause which 'prohibits State officials from restricting non-resident visitors' access to medical care within its borders absent a substantial State interest and restrictions narrowly tailored to those interests.' Additionally, the filing also claims that it violates the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause, which prohibits state laws that discriminate against interstate commerce by preventing providers from providing specific and appropriate medical services to otherwise qualified patients who are non-Colorado residents. 'The law is discriminatory. Appropriate health care options should not be denied to someone based on their zip code,' Jess Pezley, Compassion & Choices' senior staff attorney, said in a release. 'Firsthand experience from countless doctors and patients, and decades of data, make it clear that the residency restriction functions more as a barrier to access than as a safeguard.' Dr. Barbara Morris and Dr. Jennifer Harbert, the physicians who brought on the lawsuit along with McComas, have both prescribed medical aid in dying medications to Colorado residents. However, they said they're often contacted by out-of-state residents seeking the same care. 'I regularly hear from people who live outside Colorado and want to come here for help with medical aid in dying,' said Morris. 'But under current law, I face the threat of criminal prosecution and civil liability if I offer non-residents the same compassionate care I provide to Colorado residents. That defies logic.' 'As the law is currently written, I cannot provide the same medical care that I deem appropriate to non-Colorado residents,' added Harbert. 'I am simply saying that all the patients I treat in Colorado should have access to the same care.' ! The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit Colorado officials from enforcing the residency provision of the law, which limits access to medical aid in dying. McComas explained that although he wants the option to travel to Colorado for MAID, the ultimate goal is to have the option available in Minnesota. 'I need Minnesota to pass a medical aid-in-dying bill soon,' he said. 'I won't see 2030. I want to be empowered to make my own end-of-life decisions, not having the medical community fighting to keep me alive one more painful day. 'If the end is here, I'm of the mindset that it is better a day too soon than a week too late,' McComas continued. 'I need to be allowed to pick the day and manner of my choosing, and have my wife and children at my side. I will not slowly, painfully, inexorably pass away. I will be in charge of my own passing. I'm willing to do what it takes and travel, but I'd much prefer to die painlessly in our home in Minnesota.' Read the original article on People
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Delaware's assisted suicide bill signed into law, making it the 11th state with such a statute
Advertisement Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, a Democrat, signed a bill Tuesday legalizing physician-assisted suicide for certain terminally ill patients, arguing that the measure is about 'compassion, dignity, and respect for personal choice.' The End-of-Life Options Act, which takes effect next year, allows mentally capable adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live to request a prescription to self-administer and end their lives. 'We're acknowledging today that even in the last moments of life, compassion matters,' Meyer said at the bill signing. 'Every Delawarean should have the right to face their final chapter with peace, dignity and control.' 'This signing today is about relieving suffering and giving families the comfort of knowing that their loved one was able to pass on their own terms, without unnecessary pain, and surrounded by the people they love most,' he continued. Advertisement 3 Governor Matt Meyer signed a bill Tuesday legalizing physician-assisted suicide for certain terminally ill patients, arguing that the measure is about 'compassion, dignity, and respect for personal choice.' Matt Meyer / Facebook Delaware is now the 11th state to allow medical aid in dying, joining California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Washington, D.C., also permits physician-assisted suicide. 'Today, Delaware joins a growing number of states in recognizing that end-of-life decisions belong to patients, not politicians,' Meyer said. 'This law is about compassion, dignity, and respect. It gives people facing unimaginable suffering the ability to choose peace and comfort, surrounded by those they love. After years of debate, I am proud to sign HB 140 into law.' Advertisement 3 The End-of-Life Options Act, which takes effect next year, allows mentally capable adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live to request a prescription to self-administer and end their lives. Matt Meyer / Facebook Several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands, have also legalized so-called death with dignity. The Delaware Legislature narrowly rejected the measure last year, but Meyer pushed for it this session and it passed last month. The governor's signature now ends nearly a decade of debate on the issue. Advertisement 3 Delaware is now the 11th state to allow medical aid in dying. Matt Meyer / Facebook Under the new law, sponsored by Democrat state Rep. Eric Morrison, patients considering assisted suicide in the state must be presented with other options for end-of-life care, including comfort care, palliative care, hospice and pain control. The bill requires two waiting periods and a second medical opinion on a patient's prognoses before they can obtain a prescription for lethal medication. State Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, a Democrat, said the law 'is about honoring the autonomy and humanity of those facing unimaginable suffering from terminal illness.' 'This legislation exists due to the courage of patients, family members, and advocates who have shared deeply personal stories of love, loss and suffering,' he said in a statement.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Minnesota lawmakers propose controversial medically-assisted suicide bill
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Minnesota state lawmakers are re-introducing a bill to legalize medically-assisted in dying, which is legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C. The controversial bill would allow Minnesotans with terminal illnesses to self-administer a prescription medication that would kill them over a period of time — a practice that some argue is an ethical way to end suffering while others argue that it is a dangerous slippery slope for those in a vulnerable mental state. "I'm proud to carry the Minnesota End-of-Life Options Act once again at the legislature. Over the past several years, I've heard countless stories from Minnesotans who want the ability to decide, with their doctors and loved ones, how they spend their final days," State Rep. Mike Freiberg said during a Thursday press conference, as FOX 9 Minneapolis first reported. "Their message is clear: They want compassion, autonomy and peace at the end of life." The Minnesota legislation is modeled on Oregon's 1997 Death with Dignity Act. Minnesota Lawmakers Initiate Debate On Physician-assisted Suicide Bill Read On The Fox News App "The person has to be an adult with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live. They must be mentally capable of making decisions, and they must be able to self-ingest the medication," Freiberg said during the Thursday press conference. The state representative told Fox News Digital in a statement that the bill "is about trusting Minnesotans to make personal medical decisions with their doctors and families." "The End-of-Life Options Act has been working safely and compassionately elsewhere for more than 25 years—we can bring that same peace of mind to people in Minnesota," he said. Freiberg noted during the press conference that two medical clinicians must be able to confirm the person's diagnosis and consent, and the person undergoing medically-assisted death must also take a mental health examination. Legalized Assisted Suicide Push In Us Alarms Doctors, Disability Advocates: 'Where Do You Draw The Line?' The legislation is aimed at alleviating suffering for those with terminal, life-altering illnesses that impact physical and mental capability, such as ALS. Tom Albin, who has ALS, spoke during the Thursday presser, as Fox 9 first reported. "I am not suicidal, I love my life and the people in it," Albin said. "With my medical team, I've done things to extend my life with a feeding tube and a non-invasive ventilator. But ALS is cruel. It will eventually trap me in a body that can't move. But I'll be fully aware of it the whole time. And there's no escape." Assisted Deaths May Soon Be A Reality For Those Suffering From Mental Illness In Canada Gina Schneider, regional campaign and advocacy manager for Compassion & Choices Action Network, told Fox News Digital that the organization is "so grateful for lead sponsor Rep. Mike Freiberg's dedication to bringing the compassionate option of medical aid in dying to Minnesota by reintroducing the End-of-Life Options Act" "All Minnesotans deserve a full range of end-of-life care options," Schneider said. "We hope the legislature will honor the will of 73.2% of Minnesota voters who support this option for terminally ill adults in their final six months or less of life by getting HF 2998 to Governor Walz so he can make it law in 2025." The Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare is taking a different stance, with spokesperson Nancy Utoft highlighting the potential dangers of such legislation in a news release shared with FOX 9. "Physician-assisted suicide is often framed as a compassionate option, but the reality is that it deepens existing inequities in our healthcare system and places vulnerable individuals—especially those with disabilities, limited financial resources, and communities of color—at greater risk," Utoft said. "We should be saying yes to better care, not legalizing an option that pressures people into ending their lives prematurely." Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2017, and the nationwide law has prompted arguments about how medically-assisted suicide may prompt those suffering from mental health disorders to end their lives prematurely. Minnesota state senators are expected to introduce the bill article source: Minnesota lawmakers propose controversial medically-assisted suicide bill
Fox News
03-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Minnesota lawmakers propose controversial medically-assisted suicide bill
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Minnesota state lawmakers are re-introducing a bill to legalize medically-assisted in dying, which is legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C. The controversial bill would allow Minnesotans with terminal illnesses to self-administer a prescription medication that would kill them over a period of time — a practice that some argue is an ethical way to end suffering while others argue that it is a dangerous slippery slope for those in a vulnerable mental state. "I'm proud to carry the Minnesota End-of-Life Options Act once again at the legislature. Over the past several years, I've heard countless stories from Minnesotans who want the ability to decide, with their doctors and loved ones, how they spend their final days," State Rep. Mike Freiberg said during a Thursday press conference, as FOX 9 Minneapolis first reported. "Their message is clear: They want compassion, autonomy and peace at the end of life." The Minnesota legislation is modeled on Oregon's 1997 Death with Dignity Act. "The person has to be an adult with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live. They must be mentally capable of making decisions, and they must be able to self-ingest the medication," Freiberg said during the Thursday press conference. He added that two medical clinicians must be able to confirm the person's diagnosis and consent, and the person undergoing medically-assisted death must also take a mental health examination. The legislation is aimed at alleviating suffering for those with terminal, life-altering illnesses that impact physical and mental capability, such as ALS. Tom Albin, who has ALS, spoke during the Thursday presser, as FOX 9 first reported. "ALS is cruel. It will eventually trap me in a body that can't move." "I am not suicidal, I love my life and the people in it," Albin said. "With my medical team, I've done things to extend my life with a feeding tube and a non-invasive ventilator. But ALS is cruel. It will eventually trap me in a body that can't move. But I'll be fully aware of it the whole time. And there's no escape." Gina Schneider, regional campaign and advocacy manager for Compassion & Choices Action Network, told Fox News Digital that the organization is "so grateful for lead sponsor Rep. Mike Freiberg's dedication to bringing the compassionate option of medical aid in dying to Minnesota by reintroducing the End-of-Life Options Act" "All Minnesotans deserve a full range of end-of-life care options," Schneider said. "We hope the legislature will honor the will of 73.2% of Minnesota voters who support this option for terminally ill adults in their final six months or less of life by getting HF 2998 to Governor Walz so he can make it law in 2025." The Minnesota Alliance for Ethical Healthcare is taking a different stance, with spokesperson Nancy Utoft highlighting the potential dangers of such legislation in a news release shared with FOX 9. "Physician-assisted suicide is often framed as a compassionate option, but the reality is that it deepens existing inequities in our healthcare system and places vulnerable individuals—especially those with disabilities, limited financial resources, and communities of color—at greater risk," Utoft said. "We should be saying yes to better care, not legalizing an option that pressures people into ending their lives prematurely." Canada legalized medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2017, and the nationwide law has prompted arguments about how medically-assisted suicide may prompt those suffering from mental health disorders to end their lives prematurely. Minnesota state senators are expected to introduce the bill next.
