On December 31, 2009, Montana’s highest court ruled in Baxter v. Montana, a case brought by Compassion & Choices, that terminally ill adults may choose medical aid in dying under state law and that it is lawful for Montana physicians to participate in the practice.
It’s been more than a decade since Baxter, and Montana physicians are providing medication for dying people who request it.
The history of aid in dying in Montana is as multifaceted as it is inspiring. Published in 2019, Ten Facts for 10 Years of Medical Aid in Dying in Montana shares some key facts commemorating the first decade that passed since the Baxter decision.
Compassion & Choices Montana continues working to protect Baxter from lawmakers seeking to take away the rights it affords to the state’s residents. Montanans who want to defend access to death with dignity are sharing their powerful stories with lawmakers through a portrait and six simple words describing their support for aid in dying.
Published in 2014, Five Years of Dignity: The Baxter Ruling and End-of-Life Freedom in Montana highlights key moments leading up to the historic ruling and chronicles the early challenges that Baxter has withstood.
Ask Your Doctor
Aid in dying has broad public support across Montana. Compassion & Choices encourages Montanans to ask their doctors if they support the option of medical aid in dying for terminally ill patients — and inform their doctors of their support.
