Advocates in Maryland are fervently lobbying state lawmakers to pass the End of Life Option Act, a bill that would legalize medical aid-in-dying for terminally ill patients. As the 2025 legislative session unfolds, the push for this legislation has gained significant momentum, with a recent poll revealing that over 70% of Marylanders support such a measure. More than 60% of respondents indicated that they would want the option for themselves if they were facing a terminal illness.
The proposed End of Life Option Act mirrors laws in 10 states and Washington, D.C., allowing mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request a prescription for life-ending medication. This medication would be self-administered under strict safeguards to prevent misuse or coercion. Despite the growing support for this legislation, opponents raise concerns about coercion risks and religious objections.
Donna Smith, campaign director for Compassion & Choices, an advocacy group for end-of-life care, highlighted the voluntary nature of the bill. She emphasized that the legislation is simply an option for those who need it and that no one, including doctors and pharmacists, would be forced to participate. Smith’s personal story adds a poignant touch to the campaign, as she shared the frustration of attending funerals and sending flowers due to the lack of action on this critical issue.
Support for the End of Life Option Act transcends political affiliations, with polling data showing strong backing from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike. The urgency felt by advocates is palpable, especially among those who are terminally ill and have been actively lobbying for the bill during their final days. The push for this legislation comes after 11 years of efforts to enact medical aid-in-dying laws in Maryland, with previous attempts falling short in the Senate by a slim margin.
Support and Opposition
Opponents of the bill, including religious organizations like the Maryland Catholic Conference, argue that it undermines the sanctity of life. Concerns about coercion and vulnerable individuals being pressured into choosing aid in dying have also been raised. However, proponents of the legislation point to the safeguards in place, such as mandatory mental health evaluations and waiting periods, to address these concerns. Data from states like Oregon, where medical aid in dying has been legal for decades, suggest that the practice is utilized sparingly and with careful consideration.
Implications and Future Outlook
If the End of Life Option Act is passed in Maryland, the state would join a growing list of jurisdictions offering this end-of-life choice. The potential passage of this bill could also influence neighboring states like Virginia and Pennsylvania, where similar proposals have faced challenges. As lawmakers debate the bill amid competing priorities, advocates continue to meet with delegates and senators to secure the necessary support for its passage before the legislative session ends on April 7, 2025.
The fate of the End of Life Option Act in Maryland remains uncertain, but the growing acceptance of medical aid in dying across the country signals a shift in public attitudes towards end-of-life care. Advocates remain hopeful that their efforts will lead to a law that addresses what they see as preventable end-of-life suffering.
