Ohio End of Life Options
Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill
Awareness • Education • Advocacy
Ohioans are sharing deeply personal stories in memory of loved ones who wanted access to aid in dying.
Read tributes to friends and family members and sometimes very personal requests for change by Ohioans facing the end of their days. If you have a story to share that helps explain why change is needed in Ohio, please contact Info@OhioOptions.org.
The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com 2026 MAID articles
Opinion | Should Ohio consider allowing the terminally ill to end their lives through doctor-prescribed medication? Editorial Board weighs in. And read all of the articles by Mary Frances McGowan in her 2026 End of Life Ohio series.
The Columbus Dispatch and Dispatch.com feature columns and letters
My grandpa’s reality was an agonizing pain Ohio refused to let him end | Opinion by Shara Baumgartel and David Hollister’s My life is ending. Other Ohioans deserve Medical Aid in Dying | Opinion
The Enquirer and cincinnati.com features Tom Bretz
“If my cancer progresses to a point at which it can no longer be treated and I’m facing the end of my days, I’d like to be able to determine what my final day looks like.” by Tom Bretz, Board Member of Ohio End of Life Options. Contact Tom to get involved in Southwest Ohio..
Toledo Blade: Columns and Letters in support of MAID
Back bills for compassionate end to life by Jim O’Neil and “There is a special kindred spirit among those who live with a terminal illness — people who know that time is precious, pain is real, and peace is a gift.” Assisting the dying is still health care by Michael N. Oser
Akron Beacon Journal features Dr Shapiro
“This option will likely always be for the few, but for those few, it can offer a last chance to control their destiny.” by Dr. Eric Shapiro in ‘Last chance to control their destiny’: Physician supports medical aid in dying | Opinion
Download the Fact Sheet to learn more.
Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill
A MUCH-NEEDED LAW: Ohio does not have an aid in dying law.
Ohio End of Life Options 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.
- PATIENT-DIRECTED: Only the patient may make the request and then undergo 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 independently.
- This option brings comfort to those who are dying and is compatible with Hospice care.
- Thirteen states and Washington, D.C., authorize MAID, but not Ohio.
- Advanced age, disability, chronic pain, and dementia do not qualify as terminal illnesses.
- MAID may not be requested in an Advance Directive.
NOTE ABOUT DEMENTIA:
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.
- Dementia, advanced age, disability, and chronic pain do not qualify as terminal illnesses.
- MAID may not be requested in an Advance Directive.
Jim O'Neil 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.
“I do not know what God has planned for us after death, all I know is that we will ALL find out at some point. I cannot believe that he is a vindictive God and would punish one of his children for accelerating the time of their meeting by a few days, weeks, or months.”
You can help right now. Contact your legislators to declare your support for medical aid in dying legislation. The email is pre-written; you can add your comments to share why you support MAID. Please enter your address to direct your email to your specific legislators.
Meet Jack Rowe and learn our founder's story.
Jack is pictured with his wife, Jan Rowe. Jack was Lisa Vigil Schattinger’s stepfather, and Jan is her mother. Lisa is the founder of Ohio End of Life Options. Jack 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 raise awareness about Medical Aid in Dying and to pass a similar law in Ohio.
Ohio End of Life Options' 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.
Ohio End of Life Options' Vision
All Ohioans will have the knowledge and power to direct their own end-of-life care when terminally ill. The values, beliefs, and personal preferences that each person uses to make these decisions will be protected by law and rooted in compassion.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Stay informed about all the progress in Ohio and across the United States.
Join Ohio’s fast-growing community of compassionate advocates united to push for medical aid in dying legislation.
Ohio Legislators and Aides
Thank you for your interest. Please contact Lisa Vigil Schattinger, Executive Director, for information at LisaVS@OhioOptions.org.
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR EFFORTS
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.
Please consider making a non tax-deductible contribution.