Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill
Awareness • Education • Advocacy
David Hollister [1961-2025], Guest columnist
Columbus Dispatch, September 2, 2025
As someone with advancing ALS, I reached an important personal decision upon my diagnosis: I wished to die peacefully on my terms.
It was a decision arrived at with the support of my wife. She didn’t want to see me suffer extended consequences of this cruel and always-fatal disease any more than I want to experience them.
Now, I am in hospice, and before I die, I write to make my case to Ohio lawmakers to change the law so other Ohioans may one day have the freedom I have been denied. Read the full article.
David Hollister [1961-2025], Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Letter to the Editor
The New York Times, August 8, 2025
“I have rapidly advancing A.L.S. I’ve had a wonderful life, but I face a miserable death. As that time draws near, I want to be allowed the option to end my life in the peaceful manner allowed by medical aid in dying. Sadly, I live in a state that does not authorize it.“
Lisa Vigil Schattinger Guest Columnist
Columbus Dispatch, July 8, 2025
“Medical aid in dying is a compassionate means of affording autonomy and agency as death approaches. It does not replace palliative care or hospice; it is an option in addition to them.
If terminally ill Ohioans are to have the option at all, we need Ohio legislators to support a MAID law. We all need to start voicing our support and voting for lawmakers who will support this option.”
Eric J.B. Shapiro Guest Opinion
Akron Beacon Journal, 
June 5, 2025
“This option will likely always be for the few, but for those few, it can offer a last chance to control their destiny. Ohioans deserve the freedom to make this decision, and many of us believe we need to work toward a law allowing MAID for the terminally ill.”
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.
- 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.
- Eleven states and Washington, D.C., authorize MAID, but not Ohio.
- Advanced age, disability, and dementia do not qualify as terminal illnesses.
- MAID may not be requested in an Advance Directive.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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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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