Floridians continue to leave Florida to access MAiD in other states. Legislators need to know.

Rita Mannebach left Florida and died in Vermont according to her own beliefs and values.

Your legislators need to hear from you if you think it is unacceptable to have to travel to another state in order to use MAiD.  They react to the stories that you write – it puts a human face and emotion to a difficult topic for them.  We can help you bring your story to others and assist in the recording of your experience if you prefer.  Click here to get started.

Medical aid in dying is legal in 11 states and Washington, DC. Only Oregon and Vermont allow nonresidents to use medical aid in dying. Patients have to be in Vermont for two required appointments and to take the medication. Our volunteer, Rita Mannebach of Florida, had terminal lung disease and her years volunteering as a hospice worker herself helped her feel ready for what was to come. She said, “It’s all about quality of life for me. Medical aid in dying results in less suffering. I’m 84, and I’m at peace with the whole thing. I don’t have any fear.”  After she passed, her family made plans for her ashes to be shipped back to Florida. “She had the opportunity to pass in the way that was important to her…painfree…fearlessly…surrounded by family” said Mike, Rita’s son.  CLICK HERE TO LISTEN to an excerpt from Orlando NPR interviewer, Cheryl Stone, who interviewed Mike and Tony Ray, President of Florida End-of-Life Options, after Rita’s passing.

Patient Choices Vermont (PCV) is dedicated to education about Medical Aid in Dying and end-of-life choices in Vermont.  They told us that 5 – 6 Floridians per month contact them for information about using MAiD.  

Another volunteer, Debbie G., has a plan to leave Florida in the future when the time comes, if Florida has not passed the Florida End-of-Life Options Act.  She shares her story of her mom’s painful death, and Debbie’s breast cancer diagnosis.  “My mom died a horrible, painful death in a Florida hospice with Metastatic Breast Cancer.  When I was told that I had breast cancer, before I knew what stage I was, I knew that Oregon and Vermont had MAiD and both dropped their residency requirements.  Most states require you to live there for a year before you are recognized as a state resident to apply for MAiD.  If you are terminal with less than 6 months to live, you don’t have a year.  My plan was to immediately move to either Oregon or Vermont, start the MAiD process, get approved, and hit my bucket list.  Turns out, I caught my cancer in the early stages but it’s a plan for the future.  Sad that we have to move away from our homes, friends, … in order to find a state with compassion for the terminally ill.”  We met Debbie and accompanied her as she met with her legislators to share her story and support for legalizing MAiD in Florida.  They were very sympathetic and agreed to consider the bill if it came up for a vote in the chamber.  

Bottom line – legislators need to hear your stories and we will help you!  Visit Share your Story .