It’s officially the dog days of summer—a season when many of us slow down, step back, and savor the long days. But while state legislatures may be out of session, advocacy for medical aid in dying doesn’t take a summer break. In fact, this quieter season is an important time to think about how we can keep momentum alive, deepen our connections, and prepare for the critical work ahead to protect and expand end of life options.
To expand our advocacy conversations, we recently spoke with Val Lovelace, Executive Director of Maine Death with Dignity. Val has years of experience navigating the ups and downs of legislative advocacy for aid in dying bills, and knows how to stay engaged even when the path forward feels uncertain. From building relationships in the community to keeping supporters energized, Val shares thoughtful strategies for how advocates can make meaningful progress in the off-season—so that when legislative sessions begin again, we’re ready to hit the ground running.
Talking about death can be hard for people. How do you build community around a difficult topic?
Val Lovelace: Be courageous and have the conversation anyway. I find that the more we reinforce how talking about death can be difficult, the harder it can feel. What I also notice, though, is that talking about it breaks down the barrier, and suddenly everyone has a story to share.
It’s important to create space where people feel safe enough to have hard conversations and speak openly about difficult topics—whether that’s physician-assisted dying or broader end-of-life options.
When we treat those conversations as both normal and necessary, it helps ease discomfort and makes honesty possible. Not everyone will be ready to engage, and some will always believe that talking about death invites it, but many others will find relief, connection, and even healing in the exchange.
How do you get people involved to take action in the medical aid in dying movement?
Val Lovelace: If you’re just getting started in your state, begin by looking for past aid in dying bills that may have had hearings or for people who were previously involved. Remember, everybody knows somebody who knows somebody. Build community one connection at a time. Not everyone you meet will become an activist, but those who show interest can still become valuable supporters of your movement. Over time, what begins as a small group of passionate people can grow into a strong, statewide community driving meaningful legislative change.
Never underestimate the power of a good idea in the hands of a few passionate people. This work isn’t easy, but you’re never doing it alone. You have the support and wisdom of a network of state leaders and national partners to lean on. There’s no magic recipe or one-size-fits-all formula; change is built in the grassroots and grasstops, step by step, lesson by lesson. It’s hard work, yes, but never impossible. So be bold, and don’t be afraid to stir up some good trouble along the way!
The average time for a Death with Dignity bill to pass in the legislature is 10 years. How do you remain vigilant in the face of adversity? How do you encourage other advocates not to get frustrated?
Val Lovelace: It took Maine 25 years of persistence to finally pass a law. Expect frustration, but remember: for every opponent you meet, there are more supporters you haven’t yet reached. Opposition will always make noise—that’s how you know you’re making progress. Don’t be afraid to call them out respectfully, and don’t mistake their volume for majority opinion.
Change takes time. Keep educating the public, engaging lawmakers, and building momentum. Each step forward, even a floor vote that falls short, is progress toward the ultimate goal. This work is about life and death; it matters deeply, and that’s what makes it worth the long fight. Celebrate every gain, and know that not passing a bill isn’t failure, it’s simply proof that you’ll be back until it gets done.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced since the law passed in Maine? What impact have you seen for end-of-life options in your state?
Val Lovelace: Every time a patient is able to die in the way they hoped, using aid-in-dying medication, it’s profoundly meaningful—for them, their families, and the providers who support them. Watching the healthcare community grow in understanding and acceptance of this option, and seeing what this branch of palliative care can offer, has been a joy.
It’s been an honor to partner with providers, educators, and organizations to ensure patients and prescribers have what they need for compassionate, effective care. The relationships built along the way have shown me the truest meaning of community.
One of the most powerful moments came the day our law took effect in 2019, when a patient emailed: “I’m ready, and my doctors are on board. Now what do we do?” That’s when I knew we had accomplished something that truly mattered. Since then, even friends of mine have chosen medical aid-in-dying, something I never imagined during the campaign, when the only goal was to pass the bill.
What we achieved will continue to profoundly shape the lives of patients, families, and providers. Words can’t capture what that means to me.
Take Action to Support Medical Aid in Dying in Your State
If you’re as inspired by Val’s words as we are, we encourage you to take the next step in supporting this movement. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to stay connected is by finding your state on our State Page and signing the petition. By doing so, you’ll not only show lawmakers that there is strong support for Death with Dignity in your community, but you’ll also ensure you receive the latest updates about legislation in your state—straight to your inbox.
Staying informed means you’ll be the first to know when an aid in dying bill is introduced, when a hearing is scheduled, or when your voice is needed most. Every signature helps us build momentum, amplify our collective voice, and remind lawmakers that end-of-life options matter deeply to the people they represent. Together, we can turn inspiration into action and make real, lasting change possible.