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The upcoming fall elections are looking to be dynamic for many reasons. The issues and concerns are many. Now is our time as constituents to be reaching out to those running for office to have your stories and your concerns heard. One issue for me that I want to share is Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). I know, you likely have so many concerns at this point, and deciding priorities is overwhelming.
The legislation to legalize MAID can seem off one’s list, perhaps out of touch with current needs and issues. It is easy not to focus on our end of life or even the ability for a person to have control of how, when, and where they will die when facing a terminal illness. We are caught up in family, jobs, vacations, and distracted in our lives with all that is going on in the world. It isn’t until we are facing the imminent death of loved ones or ourselves that this comes to focus for us. Over 68% of Minnesotans polled feel that a person should have the right to choose MAID as their medical course of action when they are facing less than 6 months to live.
Ten states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to legalize MAID for those facing less than six months to live. Oregon was the first state to do so. Minnesota’s bills in the House and Senate are similar to Oregon’s law. A person needs to have a physician determine you are facing six months to live with a terminal illness, that you are of sound mind to make such a decision, you are a resident of the state, an adult, and are able to ingest the medication on your own. Palliative Care and Hospice are the current medical model options for people with a terminal illness. These services are extremely important and so very helpful for the person and their families dealing with all the overwhelming needs. MAID would be another option to provide information as the person who is dying makes the decision for the course of their treatment and after.
“Ask the Candidate” is the time to express your concerns to the future leaders of our community and state. Human rights and personal decisions are eroding at this time in our country and Minnesota is one such state posed to maintain a person’s rights for its citizens. I am proud to live here, proud to be a resident of Grand Marais and I am asking my DFL and GOP candidates to support MAID for us all.
Please join me.
Carrie Framsted,
Arrowhead Action Team,
Compassion & Choices
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