On March 7, 2019, the End-of-Life Option Act, House File 2152, was introduced by Rep. Mike Freiberg. If passed, the bill would have authorized medical aid in dying in Minnesota, however, the legislative session adjourned on May 20, 2019. Legislators did not vote on the legislation. House Health & Human Services Committee Chair Representative Rena Moran agreed to hold an informational hearing on the bill during the interim. This is a huge step forward for our work in Minnesota – we will update you about the hearing as soon as that information is made available.
Compassion & Choices has been active in Minnesota building our base of volunteers, empowering action teams, expanding the Minnesota Interfaith Clergy for End-of-Life Options group and educating candidates. We have 75 volunteers in action teams located in Minneapolis, the West Metro, Northfield, St. Paul and North Metro. If you live in one of these areas or want to start an action team in your area, please click here. Action teams are a critical part of Compassion & Choices. They bring together and train other volunteers in their area to coordinate outreach efforts to local officials, and educate communities and health professionals.
Additionally, we’ve increased our base of supporters through presentations and tabling at events like the Minnesota Academy of Medicine, Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Network for Hospice & Palliative Care, Uprising Theater, Minnesota Gerontological Society and other local festivals. This year, we also met with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.
The Compassion & Choices Interfaith Clergy for End-of-Life Options gave eight presentations to faith communities including a special event at Centennial United Methodist Church with Rev. Ignacio Castuera. The clergy also held a “Day at the Capitol,” meeting with six senators.
