Medically Assisted Dying – The Coin in your pocket (Northern Wilds)

Thank you to Ted Reguly’s family, in Thunder Bay for sharing their personal story for an article written in the Northern Wilds this month. Their love, compassion, and respect in honoring his wish for a peaceful death allowed his personal decision to be made. They also shared the need for honest conversations to be shared on what death looks like, the suffering that will happen, and what modern medicine can and cannot do in the final weeks and days of dying.

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is an option for people who have a terminal illness. In Canada and the U.S. (10 states and D.C. Columbia), laws are in place that allow for MAID as a medical option. There are very strict guidelines for a person to access MAID. You must be an adult with a terminal illness and have less than 6 months to live, be of sound mind to make this decision, be a resident of the state, and be able to take the medication on your own. A state survey has shared that over 68% of Minnesotans believe a person should be able to receive this medical option and make this personal decision with their physician. Our elected officials need to hear from their constituents regarding MAID and a person’s right to choose. Dignity in dying offers this personal freedom and bodily autonomy at a critical time for anyone facing imminent death. Personal empowerment and compassion are needed and where one lives should not decide access to this legislation and laws.

Within our state, the League of Women Voters, the National Association of Social Workers – MN Chapter, the Humanists of Minnesota, the DFL Senior Caucus, and Rainbow Health have endorsed MAID legislation. The Minnesota Medical Association is neutral and the Libertarian Party has given support to their party Platform. Minnesota Senate and House have bills that are now open to present these bills again next year. Contact your representative for their support of these bills or be neutral at the time of their vote. This is not about the personal decision of elected officials rather elected officials make decisions that represent the values of constituents to create laws reflecting their community.