Six months of Death With Dignity in Washington State: Watch Compassion & Choices of Washington's Executive Director, Robb Miller at the press conference:
"The people of Washington opted for individual liberty, personal autonomy and freedom of conscience. We will continue to fight for these values on behalf of terminal patients and their families in the remaining states."--Barbara Coombs-Lee, President, Compassion & Choices
Washington's Death with Dignity Act was overwhelmingly passed by voters (59%-41%) in 2008. The law allows mentally competent, terminally-ill adults with six months or less to live the legal choice of aid-in-dying. Eligible patients now have the option to make this personal decision with their physicians and families. The initiative includes numerous safeguards to protect patients from abuse.
Washington patients in the final stages of a terminal illness have the choice to end their life with dignity, on their own terms. Under this approved Death With Dignity law, a terminally ill patient has the right to make a legal, informed and personal decision about their own body.
Voters in Oregon passed an identical law by initiative over 10 years ago. The text of the Washington initiative is based on the Oregon law, which has proved to be both safe and effective.
"The Death with Dignity Act will not benefit only Washingtonians who will make a request under its provisions. That may not even be its primary effect. It will certainly help them, if they so choose, to attain a peaceful, dignified death. But the Death with Dignity Act will help all Washingtonians because it will improve end-of-life care for all." --Terry Barnett, Board President, Compassion & Choices of Washington
Washington resident Barbara McKay told attendees at a news conference in Seattle that she wants choice and control at the end of her battle with cancer. View the 4 part press conference below:
"I want patients in Washington State to know that there will be physicians available who will work with them under the Death with Dignity Act. Washington physicians should feel safe in serving their patients under the new law, protected and free to discuss all medical options at the end of life". --Dr Paul O'Donnell, Washington physician
Newspapers across Washington State endorsed the Death with Dignity Act
"…. I thank the people of our state for their commitment to independence and dignity."--Barbara McKay,Washington resident
Scenes from the I-1000 election night victory.....
Former Washington Governor Booth Gardner shares a victory dance with I-1000 Campaign volunteer Nancy Niedzielski at election night party in Seattle, Wa.
Robb Miller, Executive Director of Compassion & Choices of Washington, and Barbara Coombs Lee, President of Compassion & Choices National, at election night victory party.
Booth Gardner gives the press an interview on election night.
(All photos on this page courtesy of Kristin Kennell)
Washington resident Barbara McKay told attendees at a news conference in Seattle that she wants choice and control at the end of her battle with cancer. View the 4 part press conference below:
