Thank You for Supporting our  7th Annual Barbara Swartz End of Life Choices Lecture

Thank you to everyone who joined us on October 27th for our 7th Annual Barbara Swartz End of Life Choices Lecture. This year's lecture, Imagining New York After Medical Aid in Dying Legalization, marked the 25th anniversary of the implementation of our nation's first medical aid in dying (MAID) law in Oregon. Since then, 11 jurisdictions have legalized MAID, and New York is positioned to join them in the near future.

While legalization of MAID is the first and critical step for this option to become available, in order for patients to access this option we need trained clinicians and bedside support teams, a referral network, and public education. Fortunately, we can look to states where MAID is legal to learn how best to prepare. We were joined by Dr. Lonny Shavelson and Lori Goldwyn, both based in California, to discuss lessons learned after California legalized MAID. We were given invaluable insight into patient and clinician experiences, the important role of end of life doulas, and how we can begin preparing now to ensure patients will be able to utilize this option promptly after it is available.

Thank you to our panelists for sharing your time and expertise. We also that you for supporting this important program. Proceeds from this event will support our advocacy, support services, and outreach, including work to prepare and advocate for MAID. The recording will become publicly available early next year, and we will notify you when it is added to our film and video library.