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Are you curious about legalization of Medical Aid in Dying in other states? We know from our past history here in Arizona that legalizing MAID isn’t necessarily an easy task but rather a long-haul push to change the status quo. So this last article in 2020 is going to fill you in about where Medical Aid in Dying stands around the country. The big picture is that 9 states and the District of Columbia have MAID now, the legislature in 17 states are currently considering it, and 23 states have little or no activity. Let’s delve in further:

“New Mexico is ready for success in 2021 with deeply committed and experienced legislative champions, strong grassroots advocacy, an increasingly supportive legislature, a well-vetted, progressive bill, and a compassionate governor who will sign it” according to Barak Wolff, of the New Mexico End-of-Life Options Coalition.

In Utah, a December 2015 UtahPolicy.com poll found that 58 percent of Utahns support physician-assisted dying legislation. While Republicans are divided on the issue with 41 percent in favor and 50 percent opposed, Democrats and independents overwhelmingly prefer the idea with 90 percent of Democrats and 67 percent of independents supporting.

A February 2016 Des Moines Register poll has found that 59 percent of Iowans are in favor of right to die, with greater support among people 35 and younger (64 percent support, versus 51 percent for those 65 and older).

Wisconsin may get the prize for the most resilient state. They have introduced bills every year since 1995.

The following states have introduced bills in the past but have not gotten through a committee: Minnesota, Michigan, Arizona, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. But progress in Connecticut; In February 2019, the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) changed its position on aid-in-dying legislation from opposed to that of engaged neutrality.

HB 1649, the Virginia Medical Aid in Dying Act, was heard in the House of Delegates Committee for the Courts of Justice. The bill was continued to 2021 by a voice vote in February 2020.

Sponsored by a total of 67 State Senators (20) and Representatives (47), S.1208/H.1926, the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act, advanced from the Joint Committee on Public Health on May 29, 2020, in an amended version, S.2745 / H.4782. The bill now awaits a vote in the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing. The Massachusetts legislative session has been extended to December 31, 2020.

The New York Medical Aid in Dying Act was under consideration in Assembly and Senate committees, co-sponsored by 40 Assembly members and 13 Senators. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the New York State Legislature suspended its 2020 session and the bill did not advance.

And here in here in Arizona, we will submit a bill next month to the legislature. Our first Medical Aid in Dying bill was introduced in 2005.