Agency over dying I believe is a fundamental human right.  That the terminally ill and their loved ones should suffer the emotional and physical anguish of enduring a protracted, painful death is unnecessary.  I support medical aid in dying as an option available to all people who have less than six months to live.  Not everyone will choose it, but it brings peace and comfort to many. 

 

My wife, Mary Klein, fought for that right whilst she was dying of ovarian cancer.  It took her three years of lobbying the District of Columbia councilmembers for the Death with Dignity Act and then fighting back attacks on the law by politicians in Congress before she was able to access medications and die peacefully in my arms at home. Our last moments were one of laughter and gratefulness for a wonderful life. My wish is that all people have that option.

 

Mary's quiet courage and humility changed hearts and minds about death with dignity.  You can read her eloquent words here.

 

Compassion and Choices were instrumental in their work for the D.C. legislation and in providing her support. 

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My memoir The Violence of Living recounts Mary's fight for agency over her death and the promises I made in supporting her. Contact me for details.