I Support Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill

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Dear Ohio Legislator,

It's time for Ohio to honor freedom and compassion by passing a safe and comprehensive Medical Aid in Dying law! As someone who values life, I firmly believe that hospice and palliative care are 100% compatible with an aid-in-dying option. A dying person's quality of life shouldn't be dependent on where they live, and Ohioans should not be forced to suffer against their wishes.

A Medical Aid in Dying bill modeled on best practices within a U.S. framework would allow terminally ill adult Ohioans who have healthcare-decision-making capacity with less than six months to live the option to obtain a prescription from their doctor for medications that would allow them to die peacefully in their sleep surrounded by loved ones at a time of their choosing. Any healthcare provider may opt not to participate.

A Medical Aid in Dying law would establish stringent procedures and strict safeguards that have proven safe and effective in all U.S. jurisdictions, including New Jersey, Maine, Oregon, and New Mexico. These states have successfully implemented similar laws, demonstrating that it is possible to provide this option while protecting the rights and safety of patients.

Two qualified healthcare providers must verify the following:

The terminal diagnosis with less than six months or less to live.
The patient is seeking the prescription voluntarily. No one can request medication on someone else's behalf, ensuring that the individual makes the decision free from external pressure or influence.
The patient is mentally competent and can take the medication independently.
Advanced age, disability, and dementia or Alzheimer's do not qualify; only a terminal diagnosis allows one to make this request.

Seven in ten Ohioans, including me, believe that terminally ill people should have access to ALL end-of-life options, including Medical Aid in Dying, according to a May 2018 survey of Ohio voters. This law would give Ohioans more freedom and peace of mind when they face inevitable death and align with the majority opinion of our state's citizens.

It's time for Ohio to allow this compassionate option for its citizens!

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Summary

Terminally ill, mentally competent adults deserve the freedom to access ALL end-of-life options. Still, Ohio DOES NOT have a Medical Aid in Dying law.  To end this injustice, we are building the largest-ever public record of support for a Medical Aid in Dying law in Ohio. We support access to high-quality hospice and palliative care. Integrating a medical aid-in-dying option at the end of life demonstrates compassion and honors patient-centered end-of-life care and personal autonomy. Your signature is your voice in Columbus! We will share your support as Ohio End of Life Options works to raise awareness, educate legislators, and advocate for the terminally ill's access to Medical Aid in Dying as an end-of-life option in Ohio. **By signing this petition, I give Ohio End of Life Options permission to use my name and any comments I include. I understand that the content may be used publicly online, in social media, or in print and that Ohio End of Life Options has the right not to use it or stop using it at any time and for any reason.