Facts about Medical Aid in Dying for the terminally ill
Download the Fact Sheet to learn about the built-in safeguards and survey results showing support in Ohio. The Buckeye State does not yet have a law like this.
Important Information
It is essential to learn about the details of the law. Only the patient may make the request in states with laws. Only they may decide if and when to take the medication if they qualify for the prescription. People who have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease do not qualify because those who qualify need to be mentally capable adults with 6 months or less to live with a confirmed terminal diagnosis that their primary physician and another physician agree upon.
State Health Department or Volunteer Organization Resources for Medical Aid in Dying Laws
- Oregon: Death with Dignity Act passed in 1994, implemented in 1997
- Washington: Death with Dignity Act; 2008/2009
- Vermont: Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act; 2013
- California: End of Life Option Act; 2015/2016
- Colorado: End-of-Life Options Act; 2016
- Washington, D.C.: Death with Dignity Act; 2016/2017
- Hawaii: Our Care, Our Choice Act; 2018/2019
- New Jersey: Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act; 2019
- Maine: Death with Dignity Act; 2019
- New Mexico: End of Life Options Act; 2021
National Organizations
Please join these organizations to remain up to date and show support in Ohio.
Death with Dignity National Center
Death with Dignity National Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that
- expands the freedom of all qualified terminally ill Americans to make their own end-of-life decisions, including how they die;
- promotes Death with Dignity laws around the United States based on the groundbreaking Oregon model;
- provides information, education, and support about Death with Dignity as an end-of-life option to patients, family members, legislators, advocates, healthcare and end-of-life care professionals, media, and the interested public.
Compassion & Choices
Compassion & Choices is a “nonprofit organization committed to improving care and expanding choice at the end of life.”