Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill
Awareness • Education • Advocacy
Lisa Vigil Schattinger
Guest Columnist
Columbus Dispatch, July 8, 2025
I became an advocate for medical aid in dying for the terminally ill after witnessing my stepfather’s death.
Grandpa Jack was a brilliant and loving man who, when dying of cancer, used Oregon’s pioneering Death With Dignity law more than a decade ago to ensure that he died in peace and calm, surrounded by his loving family. He was also enrolled in hospice to optimize his quality of life and was extremely thankful to live in a state with this option that brought him such comfort. Read more.
Eric J.B. Shapiro Guest Opinion
Akron Beacon Journal 
June 5, 2025
I appreciate Dr. Jason Kolb offering his perspective on Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) for the terminally ill after Delaware became the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to allow those who are dying to decide to die peacefully when they choose. However, he spends the bulk of his explanation describing situations that would not occur under any of the laws passed in our country.
The American model for MAID requires people to have terminal illness and both the cognitive capacity to make legally informed decisions and the physical ability to give themselves the prescribed medications. Read more.
A MUCH-NEEDED LAW: Ohio does not have an aid in dying law. This organization believes that when Ohioans are at the end of their days because of a terminal illness, they should be able to request a prescription from their doctors that they can use to determine when, where and who is with them when they die peacefully, if their suffering becomes too great.
- PATIENT DIRECTED: Only the patient may make the request and then go through several steps to qualify for the prescription.
- Two doctors determine that they are dying within six months, mentally capable of making the decision and able to take the medication themselves.
- This option brings comfort to those who are dying and is compatible with Hospice care.
- These laws exist in nine states and Washington, D.C.-but not in Ohio.
Our Mission
To raise awareness and provide fact-based education about Medical Aid in Dying laws for the terminally ill in Ohio in order to achieve the enactment of such a law.
Our Vision
All Ohioans will have the knowledge and power to direct their own end-of-life care when terminally ill. The values, beliefs, and desires that each person uses to make these decisions will be protected by law and rooted in compassion.
What is Medical Aid in Dying?
Medical Aid in Dying laws provide the option for terminally ill and mentally competent adults to request and obtain a prescription that they may take to end their life peacefully at the time and place they choose.
NOTE: This is not an option for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Please see the information about Advance Directive Dementia Provisions if you have this concern.
Click over to our Annual Report to find out how we have adapted in the last couple of years and how we have continued to work to accomplish our mission.
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Meet Jack Rowe
Jack, pictured with his wife, Jan Rowe, was the stepfather of Lisa Vigil Schattinger, the founder of Ohio End of Life Options. He died peacefully in 2014 using Oregon’s Death with Dignity law. The experience was so profound for Lisa, her mother, and their family, that Lisa was compelled to create this organization with the mission to pass a similar law in Ohio.
Jim O'Neill Advocates in memory of his wife addie
Jim, pictured with his late wife, Addie, wants to pass a law in Ohio in her honor. Her final weeks were unbearable, “If the choice were available, she would’ve taken it gladly.” Read Jim’s letter about Addie’s death and his plea to Ohioans to support this law.
You can help right now. Contact your legislators to declare your support of medical aid in dying legislation. The letter is pre-written; you can add to it or leave it as is. Just enter your address to direct your email to your specific legislators.
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Ohio End of Life Options is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, making your donation tax-deductible. Our crucial work relies on the charitable gifts made by our generous supporters.
Ohio End of Life Options Political Fund is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization to fund policy and lobbying work.
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