Vermont's Coat of Arms

Today, we join Patient Choices Vermont in applauding Representative Donna Sweaney for introducing Death with Dignity legislation to the Vermont House of Representatives for consideration during the 2011 session! Demonstrating the strong and broad base of support for the new bill, Representative Sweaney has been joined by 42 co-sponsors.

Vermont's proposed legislation emulates the groundbreaking and time-tested Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts and would be the third of its kind in the US. Well-crafted Death with Dignity laws have been demonstrated to work the way they're intended. They're backed by 13 years of data and independent studies which show no evidence of a slippery slope for vulnerable populations.

Many Vermonters and their lawmakers already know and understand the peace of mind expanded end-of-life options like Death with Dignity can give to a person dying of a terminal illness and family members. In the words of former Vermonter, Nora Miller:

Unlike my mother, my husband was able to exert some control over the way his life ended. His was what I might term a "good death." When we had no treatment options left and death was clearly in sight, he chose to leave us while he could still recognize us around him and tell us his final thoughts. We shared his last moments as a family, with a deep sense of our shared love and support.

Nora joins Colleen in sharing why Death with Dignity Acts are an essential to one's options when faced with a terminal illness. Their loved ones chose to hasten their impending and unavoidable deaths due to terminal illnesses.

Requesting a prescription under Death with Dignity regulations is not a decision made lightly, and for many, simply having the medication is a great source of comfort in their final days. Typically, only two thirds of the small group of terminally ill patients who receive the prescription ingest the medication.

We invite you to learn more about and read the text of Vermont's Death with Dignity bill. And please consider making a non tax-deductible, political donation to the Death with Dignity Political Action Fund to help make Death with Dignity in Vermont a reality in 2011! 100% of your contribution will go directly to the Vermont effort.