Changes in the Right-to-Die Debate

The right-to-die debate may soon be at the forefront of state ballots in light of the recent physician-assisted suicide of a young woman. She was just 29 years old, but her terminal illness prompted her to end her own life. In January 2014, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given six months to live. She stated that she decided to take prescribed medication to help her die once she could no longer tolerate her pain medication.

Because of her young age, which is in stark contrast to that of most people who choose physician-assisted suicide, a younger generation may soon become interested in the right-to-die movement. In Oregon, where she lived, the median age of a person who has used the right-to-die law is 71, according to the Washington Post. There have been only six people below the age of 34 who have used the law. Oregon is one of three states that permit physician-assisted suicide; the other two are Washington and Vermont.

In Montana, the Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that state law does not forbid the provision of care to end one’s life. And in New Mexico, a district court judge ruled that terminally ill people, who are in possession of their mental faculties, have a constitutional right to the use of legally prescribed drugs to end their lives. This ruling occurred earlier this year, and is under appeal. Similar laws are pending in a minimum of seven other states.

Those who were critical of her decision have expressed concern over the potential for people of her generation to become interested in the right-to-die movement, just as they have changed attitudes towards gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana. It is a controversial issue with those in favor, contending that it is humane to allow a patient to have control over their illness before the illness kills them. That is the message echoed by many right-to-die advocates, including Compassion and Choices, a nonprofit organization that helps the terminally ill with end-of-life choices. However, those opposed to physician-assisted suicide, including several Catholics and followers of the Right to Life movement, cite religious and ethical objections.

Nevertheless, Brittany Maynard’s legacy may be an introduction of right-to-die laws in many states as people decide that they would like to have more control over their death, and thus, their life.