What Is Medical Aid in Dying (Death with Dignity) and How Does It Work?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Medical aid in dying (MAID) — also called death with dignity or physician-assisted dying — allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of 6 months or less to voluntarily request life-ending medication from a physician. It is legal in 11 states and DC as of 2024, with strict eligibility requirements and safeguards.
What Is Medical Aid in Dying?
Medical aid in dying (MAID) is a practice in which a terminally ill patient voluntarily requests, and a physician prescribes, medication that the patient self-administers to end their life. It is distinct from euthanasia (where a physician administers the medication) — in MAID, the patient must self-administer the lethal dose.
Where Is MAID Legal?
As of 2024, MAID is legal in: Oregon, Washington, Vermont, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico, Montana (by court ruling), and Washington DC. Several additional states have pending or recently enacted legislation.
Eligibility Requirements
Standard eligibility requirements include: (1) terminal illness with prognosis ≤6 months; (2) adult (18+); (3) state resident; (4) able to make and communicate healthcare decisions; (5) ability to self-administer the medication; (6) two oral requests (often 15 days apart) plus one written request; (7) two physicians' confirmation of diagnosis and prognosis.
The Process After Eligibility
After eligibility is confirmed, the prescribing physician writes a prescription for the medication (typically secobarbital). The patient fills the prescription at a participating pharmacy and chooses when and where to take it — typically at home surrounded by chosen family and loved ones.
How Death Doulas Support MAID
Death doulas provide non-judgmental support for patients exploring or choosing MAID — helping navigate the process, supporting family conversations, facilitating legacy work, and providing presence and support at the chosen death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states have Medical Aid in Dying laws?
As of 2024: Oregon, Washington, Vermont, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine, New Mexico, Washington DC, and Montana (by court ruling). New states pass laws periodically.
Does choosing MAID affect life insurance or burial benefits?
In states where MAID is legal, deaths by MAID are typically recorded as natural deaths from the terminal illness — not suicide — for life insurance purposes. Policies vary; review your specific policy.
Can a patient change their mind about MAID?
Yes — patients can change their mind at any point, including after receiving the prescription. There is no obligation to use the medication once prescribed.
How can a death doula help someone considering MAID?
Death doulas provide non-judgmental support throughout the MAID process — helping with paperwork navigation, family communication, legacy work, and presence at the death. They do not make the decision for the patient but support whatever the patient chooses.
Renidy connects grieving families with compassionate death doulas and AI-powered funeral planning tools. Try our free AI funeral planner or find a death doula near you.