POWERED BY PEOPLE, DRIVEN BY DIGNITY
After two decades leading Death with Dignity, I’ve learned that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight; it happens because people refuse to give up. This year is proof of that. It’s this collective effort that brought us here: Delaware and New York have now passed Death with Dignity through their legislatures.
When I think of those wins, I don’t picture bill numbers or votes. I see advocates in cramped offices, sharing about a lost spouse or parent. I see patients testifying between treatments, knowing their time was short, but still choosing to fight. For more than a decade, their voices have been steady, and this year, they broke through.
We also showed up in Montana, where opponents tried to strip patient rights to aid in dying. In Maine, we celebrated a commonsense change reducing the waiting period for patients accessing the law. None of it happened by chance, it happened because together, we kept going, even when the work was exhausting.
These victories prove something important: our voices matter. Every letter, email, and story adds up. When we unite, change is more than a feeling or a possibility— change is inevitable.
The opposition has taken notice of our wins and is fighting harder than ever. In West Virginia, we fought back by running a campaign to defeat Amendment One, a resolution banning medical aid in dying in the state constitution. While the ban barely passed, we showed our opponents that we are agile and ready to challenge them at every turn.
In Colorado, a lawsuit now threatens the foundation of everything we’ve built. Across the country, well-funded groups are rebranding as so-called “watchdogs,” but their mission is clear: roll back rights and strip freedom and dignity from terminally ill individuals.
So where does that leave us? Right where we’ve always been: rolling up our sleeves and ready to fight. We’re expanding advocacy, strengthening legal defenses, and building infrastructure. We’re not backing down—not now, not ever. Death with Dignity fights for life.
No matter what challenges lie ahead, this movement is unstoppable—because YOU are a part of it. With your support, we’ll keep protecting aid-in-dying laws, defending our values, and fighting for the dignity every person deserves at the end of life.
Dr. Peg Sandeen Chief Executive Officer
Your donations fund our work to make real impact, enabling us to bring the voices of terminally ill individuals and their families directly to policymakers and legislators.
1.8 MILLION IMPRESSIONS
AROUND THE COUNTRY
LIVE IN A JURISDICTION WHERE DEATH WITH DIGNITY IS A LEGAL OPTION
When Delaware’s law takes effect and Governor Hochul signs in New York
Our work captured widespread attention across leading media outlets, amplifying the voices of the movement in the U.S. and beyond.
12 JURISDICTIONS
WESTERN REGION
UNDER THREAT
Montana
Montana’s SB136 aimed to criminalize medical aid in dying, but it failed in the House, preserving Death with Dignity. Over 550 supporter letters helped protect this right.
INTRODUCED LEGISLATION
Arizona, Nevada
Nevada reintroduced its medical aid in dying bill, AB346, with new Republican sponsor, Assemblymember Danielle Gallant, a former opponent, marking a significant step toward growing bipartisan support for the movement.
17 STATES
DEATH WITH ACROSS THE
INTRODUCED AMENDMENTS
California, Oregon, Washington
California’s SB403 would remove the End of Life Option Act’s sunset clause, making it permanent. It’s passed the Senate and now awaits a vote on the Assembly floor.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
Alaska, Hawai’i, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming
These states didn’t see legislative action, but grassroots supporters on the ground worked hard to build momentum toward a future legislative effort. Stay informed and be prepared to act. FIND YOUR STATE >
6 STATES 4 JURISDICTIONS 2 STATES
INTRODUCED AMENDMENTS PASSED DEATH WITH DIGNITY ACTIVELY UNDER THREAT
WITH DIGNITY THE COUNTRY
MIDWEST REGION
UNDER THREAT
Colorado
Opposition group, End Assisted Suicide, filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado’s law, claiming discrimination. Focused on Colorado, the case could jeopardize aid-in-dying laws nationwide.
INTRODUCED LEGISLATION
Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri
For the first time, Illinois’ SB1950 passed the House 63-42, a historic step forward that builds powerful momentum heading into the 2026 session.
SOUTHWEST REGION
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin
These states saw no new bills or amendments this year, but support is building. Stay informed and be prepared to act. FIND YOUR STATE >
NORTHEAST & SOUTHEAST REGION
For the first time ever, New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138) passed both the Assembly and Senate and now awaits Governor Hochul’s signature to become law.
Our steadfast leaders: Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Assemblymember Amy Paulin, 2025
INTRODUCED LEGISLATION
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee
• Delaware became the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to legalize Death with Dignity, a milestone achieved after nearly a decade of dedicated advocacy and grassroots organizing.
• Massachusetts introduced the End of Life Options Act (H2505/S1486). H2505 was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on Public Health and referred to Health Care Financing.
INTRODUCED AMENDMENTS
New Jersey, Maine, Vermont
Maine’s Death with Dignity Act (LD613) was amended, allowing providers to waive up to 10 days of the 17-day waiting period at their discretion.
UNDER THREAT
New Jersey, Washington, D.C.
• In New Jersey, A406/A407 threatens Death with Dignity by increasing penalties and repealing the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. Both are in committee, but are unlikely to pass.
• Congressional opponents are trying again to repeal D.C.’s Death with Dignity law by including a rider in the Appropriations Bill passed by the U.S. House, which would repeal D.C.’s law.
OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia
No new bills or amendments this year in these states, but support is rising. Stay informed and be prepared to act. FIND YOUR STATE >
Washington, D.C.
Our West Virginia heroes from our Amendment One campaign: Rusty, Nicole, and Ted, courageously shared their personal journeys, motivating 330K+ West Virginians to reject the ban at the ballot box.
This year, Colorado became the focus of a coordinated attack on medical aid in dying. In June, the group End Assisted Suicide filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado’s Death with Dignity law, claiming it discriminates against people with disabilities. While the case targets Colorado, it could threaten Death with Dignity laws across the country and even lead to a Supreme Court challenge.
In West Virginia, a state without a Death with Dignity law, we ran our biggest defensive campaign to date. By a margin of less than 1%, opponents pushed through Amendment One, a constitutional ban on medical aid in dying. They relied on misleading tactics, yet our campaign encouraged over 330,000 West Virginians to cast their votes to protect this option.
Legislatively, in New Jersey and Montana, legislators continue to try to roll back access to Death with Dignity. Together with our allies, we blocked harmful proposals in Montana, but the fight is far from over.
These attacks are intended to go beyond individual states. They’re part of a nationwide effort to take away the freedom to make personal end-of-life choices.
In Washington, D.C., opponents are once again trying to erase its law through a federal spending bill, but this year, they went one step further. Congress is considering language which would ban the D.C. City Council from ever considering a Death with Dignity bill in the future.
We’re preparing for every challenge ahead, defending existing laws, building alliances to expand protections, and countering misinformation with truth. The opposition is well-funded, but our movement is stronger and powered by determined people demanding choice at the end of life.
With your support, we’ll protect what we’ve won, strengthen our defenses, and keep pushing until every terminally ill person has the right to die with dignity.
WEST VIRGINIA
PERSISTENCE
DELAWARE BECOMES 12TH U.S. JURISDICTION
TO LEGALIZE DEATH WITH DIGNITY
After nearly a decade of determined advocacy, we achieved a historic milestone: Delaware became the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to legalize Death with Dignity. Governor Matt Meyer signed the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act (HB140) into law, marking this historic victory.
Since the bill’s introduction in 2015, we’ve led the charge— mobilizing lawmakers, medical professionals, and volunteers, while elevating the stories of terminally ill Delawareans and their families. When a nearly identical bill was vetoed in 2023, we didn’t stop. We came back stronger, more organized, and more determined than ever.
Our community rose to the challenge. We equipped advocates with the tools to send more than 9,000 letters and pieces of testimony to legislators and to Governor Meyer, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted could not be ignored. Together, we built the momentum, secured the support, and ultimately made history in Delaware with the passage of HB140.
When the law takes effect in early 2026, more than 94 million people* will live in states where Death with Dignity is a legal option.
This number is proof that change is possible when we refuse to give up, when we choose to fight, and when we do it together.
We are committed to ensuring Delaware’s healthcare system is ready. Support our continued work from advocacy to implementation. DONATE FOR PERSISTENCE TODAY >
*When Delaware’s law takes effect and Governor Hochul signs in New York
“For nearly a decade this idea has been debated and delayed, but always defended by those of you who believed deeply that it was the right thing to do, and it’s because of you that we’re here today and because of that courage I will be signing that bill.”
- Governor Matt Meyer
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, 2025
COMMUNITY
OUR GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY: DIGNITY50
Campaigns aren’t won overnight. Meaningful policy reform requires sustained organizing, smart strategy, steadfast dedication, and resources to support local leaders for the long haul.
Now in its sixth year, our Dignity50 program continues to drive the movement forward by supporting state organizations and providing technical guidance to advocates starting state-based groups. Thanks to your donations, the Dignity50 Grant Fund has awarded over $100,000 to strengthen independent advocacy groups championing Death with Dignity.
Some highlights of what states have accomplished with their grants include:
New Hampshire: New Hampshire: Formalized the New Hampshire Alliance for End of Life Options, which helped pass a Death with Dignity bill in the House on a bipartisan vote in 2024 and defeated a motion to reconsider.
Florida: Enabled Florida Death with Dignity to file the Florida End of Life Option Act in both the House and Senate during the 2022–2023 session—a state first.
New Mexico: Expanded statewide outreach and education, helping residents understand the new medical aid in dying law immediately after its passage.
Maine: Hired lobbyists to secure the first amendment to the Maine Death with Dignity Act, letting physicians reduce the waiting period from 17 to 10 days for qualified patients.
We also welcomed new members from Alaska and Pennsylvania, both in the early stages of forming advocacy groups, who were met with guidance and encouragement from peers in 21 states.
Our Dignity50 community is a powerful reminder that no one in our movement fights alone.
What to get involved? Visit our Dignity50 page.
LEARN MORE >
NEW YORK
On June 9, 2025, the New York State Senate approved the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/ S138), sending it to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature—the final step in making Death with Dignity a reality in New York! This historic victory comes after a decade of relentless advocacy, driven by Death with Dignity and countless dedicated supporters across the state.
Our fight in New York began long before this day. In 2018, our CEO, Dr. Peg Sandeen, opened the first legislative hearing, setting the tone by centering the conversation on what matters most: patient rights, dignity, and autonomy. Our collective leadership, years of coalition-building, and personal stories laid the groundwork for this needed change and moved lawmakers and communities alike.
“Never once did we lose faith in the people of New York to advocate for this legislation. Never once did we lose faith in our ability to get this bill to the Governor’s desk.”
Peg Sandeen on the New York Capitol steps passionately speaking to the press, hours before the historic Senate vote, 2025
Death with Dignity Team rallying at the New York Capitol: Emma Granquist, Digital Campaign Manager · Lisa Vigil Schattinger, Board President · Peg Sandeen, CEO · Elia Lawatsch, Managing Director, 2025
- Peg Sandeen
MOVING HEARTS AND MINDS
Over the years, we’ve shared the voices of countless advocates across the state: patients living with a terminal diagnosis and longing to peacefully die at home, and loved ones who witnessed the comfort Death with Dignity provided in states where it’s authorized. Their experiences help build personal connections between people and policymakers.
STRENGTHENING OUR PARTNERSHIPS
It takes a village to pass medical aid in dying legislation. That’s why we co-founded the New York Alliance for Medical Aid in Dying, and why we’ve been working collaboratively with advocates, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, and lawmakers to expand end-of-life options. Together, we’ve organized events, mobilized supporters, and brought powerful stories to the Capitol.
“This is where we want to end our lives, and die with love and compassion and dignity.”
- Luis and Luz Miranda
LEARNING IN ACTION
We captured the stories of 11 brave New York legislators in support of medical aid in dying across 8 videos, and these videos have collectively been viewed by over 400,500 New Yorkers. This crucial outreach helps shift perspectives, one conversation at a time.
“There is power in charting one’s own end-oflife journey. We should all have the ability to die in a way that is consistent with our faith, values, and beliefs.”
- Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, RN District 57, New York
New York advocate Zach Hawtof and his family, 2022
New York Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, 2023
New York advocates Luis and Luz Miranda, 2025
WHY I ADVOCATE: JERI’S STORY
Advocate Jon Scieszka shares his wife’s end-oflife story—traveling from New York to Oregon— and why he supports Death with Dignity.
JUST LIKE WE PLANNED
Jeri Hansen and I spent 50 wonderful years together—building our lives in Brooklyn, raising a family, supporting each other’s dreams. We’d seen our parents suffer long, painful deaths, and promised each other we would do things differently. We would grow old gracefully and die with dignity. That was our whole plan.
But in 2020, as we settled into semi-retirement, Jeri’s body began to change. She lost her balance. Her joints ached. Her vision blurred. Doctors called her a “medical mystery.” By 2023, she could no longer walk on her own or sleep through the night. It was heartbreaking to witness.
Finally, in 2024, we got a diagnosis: progressive supranuclear palsy. It was rare. It was terminal. There was no cure. Jeri made a brave decision. She wanted to die on her own terms.
That’s when we learned she couldn’t. Not in New York.
Medical aid in dying is legal in just a handful of states, and only Oregon and Vermont allow non-residents. By the time we secured care in Oregon, we were emotionally, physically, and financially drained. Still, Jeri, our daughter Casey, and I flew 3,000 miles so she could die the way she wanted.
What followed was both painful and beautiful. During Oregon’s 15-day waiting period, our loved ones came to visit. We laughed, cried, and shared memories. And, we celebrated Jeri’s life over legendary Portland donuts.
Some people say Death with Dignity devalues life. But for our family, it honored life. Jeri’s choice was courageous, and it gave her peace. It gave us peace.
When the time came, we gathered around her. She drank the medication, sighed in relief, and died peacefully, surrounded by love.
This option shouldn’t require a cross-country journey. No one should have to leave home just to die with dignity. And while we are so close to having medical aid in dying in New York, it was still too late for Jeri, and so many other amazing humans like her.
That’s why I support Death with Dignity— and why I hope you will too.
Your donation helps change laws, educate the public, and ensures that no one has to suffer needlessly at the end of life. How we die should be our choice.
DONATE FOR LOVE TODAY >
Jeri and her family celebrating her life in Oregon the day of her death in 2025
GLOBAL FELLOWS
AS WE LEAD THE DEATH WITH DIGNITY MOVEMENT IN THE U.S., WE RECOGNIZE THERE’S MUCH TO SHARE AND LEARN FROM INDIVIDUALS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
This year, we launched a new project, The Global Fellows in Endof-Life Care, to redefine one of life’s most profound experiences— how we die—co-founded with the Completed Life Initiative (CLI). With our mentorship, the Fellows will develop innovative projects that advance the global conversation around end-of-life care.
During the fellowship year, they have participated in monthly virtual sessions led by Death with Dignity, CLI, and expert guests. In Fall 2025, the cohort will gather to share their work and discuss how their projects will advance end-of-life care in their communities.
The Global Fellows program nurtures ideas and innovations to improve end-of-life care worldwide for years to come.
LEARN MORE >
Casimir Bemski Belfast, Maine
Kim Burgas Williston, Vermont
Josefina Miró Quesada Gayoso Lima, Peru
Anita Hannig Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Benard Ochieng Odour Kikuyu, Kiambu, Kenya
Nicole Dalmer Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Bianca Esquivel Austin, Texas
2025 FINANCIALS
At
Death with Dignity, we operate under six core values: Dignity, Freedom & Autonomy, Trust, Financial Security, Moral Courage, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
As part of our commitment to Trust and Financial Security, we value transparency and plain-language descriptions of how we expend the resources entrusted with us.
Last year brought a fiscal challenge to many organizations in the non-profit sector. For Death with Dignity, we faced an unprecedented mid-year attack on end-oflife autonomy and freedom in West Virginia.
As a leader in the Death with Dignity movement, we immediately pivoted our budgeted expense plans to defend the rights of terminally ill people in the Mountain State. We proudly invested 20% of our budget in West Virginia, without regard to the short fundraising timeline.
For this challenging situation, we operated under two guiding principles: sound financial stewardship going hand in hand with the advancement of our mission, and “Mountaineers are Always Free” (West Virginia’s motto).
REVENUE
EXPENSES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
March 31, 2025 and 2024
4,158,463
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES
YOUR DONATIONS POWER THIS MOVEMENT
You’ve read our impact over the last year, and understand what’s at stake for the year ahead—our end-of-life freedom. Now, more than ever, we need to unite and protect medical aid in dying across the U.S. Your contribution, large or small, fuels our advocacy and legislative work. Help us protect a future where terminally ill patients have the option for a peaceful and dignified death. Support YOUR Death with Dignity.
DONATE FOR DIGNITY TODAY >
BOARD MEMBERS
Lisa Vigil Schattinger, President
Carol Pratt, Vice President
Max Roman, Treasurer
Eli Stutsman, Secretary
George Eighmey, Director
Elaine Fong, Director
Midge Levy, Director
Gil Tenzer, Director