This month, the End of Life Options Act (S1486) cleared a key legislative hurdle. S1486 was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Public Health and referred to the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing! That means the End of Life Options Act is one step closer to advancing Death with Dignity and expanding end-of-life options in Massachusetts.
We’ve been fighting for end-of-life freedom in Massachusetts for over a decade, and remain vigilant. In light of today’s update, we’re elevating the voices of Massachusetts’ advocates whose stories continue to move hearts and minds and remind us why the End of Life Options Act must pass this session.
The Impact of Inaction: When Medical Aid in Dying Isn’t An Option
Dr. Heidi Henson lived life to the fullest. She balanced three careers—as head of HR, professor, and owner of a coaching business—while also making time to row across oceans, dance, garden, volunteer as a Big Sister, and raise her daughter. At 53, she was eagerly planning her retirement at 60 and looking forward to fulfilling her lifelong dream of living abroad. Life was good.
But in the spring of 2021, everything changed. Dr. Henson was diagnosed with ALS, and she had to face the devastating reality that her dreams of retirement and expatriate life would never come true. As her illness progressed, she wanted the option to use Death with Dignity to end her suffering peacefully, but because she lived in Massachusetts, that end-of-life option was not available to her.
Dr. Henson died in August 2022. Even as her health declined, she remained a passionate advocate for Death with Dignity and dedicated her voice to raising awareness about ALS and the importance of compassionate end-of-life choices.
Fighting for End of Life Freedom Till the Very End
Award-winning Wall Street Journal health journalist Laura Johannes had one final story to tell before she died on August 6, 2022. She spent the final weeks of her life fighting for Death with Dignity legislation in Massachusetts, fully aware she would not live to see it pass, but to advocate for this end-of-life option for other terminally ill patients.
In 2022, while dying and in immense pain with pancreatic cancer, she shared her deeply personal story with us. Two days later, Laura died.
Laura’s fight is continued by her spouse, Chris. In 2023, we spoke to Chris about Laura’s death and why she felt compelled to use some of her last moments to advocate for Death with Dignity.
Listen to Chris’s story about carrying out Laura’s last wishes here.
When Using the Death with Dignity Law Means Leaving Home
Lee lived life with an open heart and boundless curiosity, for the world, and for the people in it. When he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, he faced a devastating reality: a disease that would slowly steal his ability to breathe. As his condition worsened, Lee was forced to make an impossible decision—to leave his home, his community, and his family in Massachusetts, and move to California, where medical aid in dying is legal.
Lee’s death was peaceful, just as he wished. He died in his wife Barbara’s arms, on his own terms—without fear, without suffering.
Read Lee’s full story, told by his wife Barbara, here.
Terminally ill patients should not have to leave everything behind to access a dignified death on their terms.
How You Can Advocate for Death with Dignity in Massachusetts
While we’re encouraged by the End of Life Options Act making it to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, the bill still has a long path ahead. Here’s how you can help the bill continue to advance through the legislature:
If you’re a Massachusetts resident, take one minute to send a pre-written letter thanking the Senators who voted YES on S1486. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, especially when legislators take meaningful action to support Death with Dignity.
If you live outside the state, please forward the link to someone you know in Massachusetts. Together, we can help ensure no one has to leave home to die with dignity.
A win for Massachusetts is a win for everyone.