Medical Aid in Dying: Ensuring Access to the End of Life Options You Want
Channel: American Atheists
Date: 04/09/2020

Compassion and Choices is a national organization that has been at the forefront of the battle to pass medical aid in dying legislation for more than 30 years. They believe that the ability to achieve end-of-life care that reflects a person’s wishes and priorities, and to have access to a full range of options should be a universal human right. 

In multiple national surveys, across multiple demographics, people support having options to end their suffering. 84% of nonreligious people support a person’s right to choose to ask a physician for assistance in ending their life if faced with a terminal illness. Major opposition to passing these laws stems from religious objections and the implementation of the laws that do pass are impacted by the huge Catholic healthcare system. 

Learn how you can become involved in advocacy in your state to expand end-of-life options and to ensure that these important decisions are made by patients, their loved ones and their physicians. 

Our Presenters:

Kim Callinan is the President and CEO of Compassion & Choices where she has played a leadership role in authorizing and implementing medical aid in dying into five new jurisdictions; drafting, promoting and implementing Compassion & Choices’ new strategic plan; and launching their Finish Strong initiative, which includes tools designed to empower patients to take charge of the final chapter of their lives. Kim is also frequently invited to speak at conferences, testify before state legislatures, conduct policy briefings and serve on committees as a subject-matter expert on end-of-life care options. 

Samantha McGuire has a varied background in counseling, education, event planning and volunteer management. As National Field Director, she works with local grassroots activists, volunteers and affiliates to help them engage on emerging local civil rights issues, advocate for state level legislation, and build thriving communities.
 
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