Medical Aid in Dying

My name is Lindsey Warren of Journey With Compassion LLC and I am a certified End-of-life Doula that has specialized training as a Wayfinder  by both Patient Choices VT and the Academy of Aid in Dying Medicine for navigating the process of Medical Aid in Dying. Vermont’s legislation that makes this legal is called Act 39 - Patient Choice at End of Life.  

 

I believe everyone has the right to choose how and when they depart this lifetime. I advocate for informed decision making and knowing the options, whether it be Voluntary Stop Eating and Drinking (VSED), Medical Aid in Dying (also referred to as Death With Dignity in some states), or for people that do not qualify for MAID in VT, understanding that traveling to Switzerland might be an option.  

 

I support both Vermonters and out-of-state clients that seek to utilize this end of life choice.

​You do not need to be a resident of VT to pursue Medical Aid in Dying in Vermont. 

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To qualify for Medical Aid in Dying under Vermont's Act 39, the patient must:

• Be 18 years or older

• Have a terminal illness with six months or less to live

• Be capable of making their own health care decisions

• Be making an informed and voluntary request

• Be able to self-administer the medication

If you fulfill the above criteria, then to pursue eligibility you must:

• Make two oral requests 15 days apart to the physician who will write the prescription

• Make a written request in the form required

• Have a second physician confirm that the patient qualifies

 

*All 3 appointments and taking the prescription must occur in Vermont*

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Medical aid in Dying is NOT considered suicide, assisted suicide or euthanasia because the person is hastening a dying process that they are already in. The VT death certificate will name the health condition as the cause of death. Read more about this topic on the Compassion and Choices page.

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Simple steps to get started:

1) Have a free consult with me to discern if this end of life option is for you.

2) I will reach out to providers to see who has availability in your timeframe, or coach you on how to approach your own doctor about prescribing. 

3) I will support you through the process. Read more how i support you below.

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What if I don’t qualify for Act 39?

Then let’s talk about other options such as discussing palliative sedation with your medical team, how to have a well-supported VSED (voluntary stop eating and drinking) or going to Switzerland for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD).

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Contact me for a free consult.

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