The Massachusetts legislature remains in formal session through the end of July. That means lawmakers have a narrow window to move the End of Life Options Act (S1486/H2505) forward before they’ll need to reintroduce medical aid in dying (MAID) legislation next session.
The current legislation aligns with the established “U.S. model.” Across all Death with Dignity laws, patients must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live, make a voluntary request on their own behalf, possess the capacity to make their own healthcare decisions, and be able to self-administer the medication. H2505 is currently in the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, and S1486 is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
Two recent opinion pieces by Massachusetts residents Terry Abdalain, an advocate who lost her husband Chuck to ALS, and Dr. Shelly Berkowitz, a retired physician, explain exactly why medical aid in dying must pass this session.
Without the Choice of Death with Dignity in Massachusetts
“There are moments that divide your life into “before” and “after.” That was one of mine.”
For seven years, Terry’s husband, Chuck, lived with ALS. As the disease gradually took away his speech, mobility, and independence, it never diminished his ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions about his own life. Chuck knew what he wanted at the end of life: to avoid unnecessary suffering and to die on his own terms.
But because medical aid in dying was not an option in Massachusetts, and he was too ill to travel to a state where it was legal, Chuck was left with few choices. He ultimately chose to voluntarily stop eating and drinking—a process that took more than ten days.
In a moving op-ed published by the Cape Cod Times, Terry reflects on the experience of watching the person she loved endure a prolonged death that she believes could have been avoided. By sharing Chuck’s story, she hopes no other family will have to face the same unnecessary suffering.
A Physician’s Case for MAID
“My personal journey from initially being against MAID, to then becoming a staunch supporter, came as a result of sadly witnessing the painful deaths (despite the earnest help of hospice and palliative care), of each of my parents.”
Dr. Shelly Berkowitz, a retired physician who spent more than four decades caring for patients, recently published an op-ed in the Greenfield Recorder explaining why she now supports Massachusetts’ Death with Dignity legislation.
She once opposed medical aid in dying, but her perspective changed after witnessing the prolonged and painful deaths of both of her parents despite receiving excellent medical care. She wrote that these experiences convinced her that terminally ill, mentally capable adults should have the option to choose a peaceful death if they meet strict eligibility requirements.
She also noted that Governor Maura Healey has said she would sign the legislation if it reaches her desk. Most importantly, she reminded readers that the legislative session ends on July 31, making the coming weeks a critical opportunity for lawmakers to act.
Turn Your Story Into Change
These voices represent different perspectives, a grieving spouse and a veteran physician, but they arrive at the same conclusion: compassionate end-of-life choices should not be denied to Massachusetts residents any longer.
If you have a terminal illness, have witnessed end-of-life suffering, or would like a choice at the end of life, we want to hear from you. Personal stories help lawmakers understand what is at stake and why this end-of-life option cannot be delayed any longer.
Share your story today. Your experience could help bring dignity, comfort, and choice to countless families across the country.