Maine Amends ‘Death with Dignity’ Law to Shorten Waiting Period for Terminally Ill Patients

Maine’s “Death with Dignity” law is set to change after Governor Janet Mills signed a bill that modifies the process for terminally ill patients seeking life-ending medication.

Under the current law, patients must make two verbal requests for the medication at least 17 days apart and meet strict eligibility requirements. The newly signed amendment allows physicians to waive up to 10 days of that waiting period in certain circumstances, reducing the minimum wait time to seven days.

Val Lovelace, executive director of Maine Death with Dignity, said this change could spare patients and their families unnecessary suffering. “Some people die during the waiting period,” she said. “It’s priceless to have what you need to meet your needs at the end of your life, whatever those needs may be.”

Since the law took effect in 2019, more than 100 Mainers have used the program. Advocates say the amendment is a compassionate step forward, though some believe the seven-day minimum may still be too long for patients in critical condition.

The change will officially take effect in mid-September. Lovelace noted she may push for additional reforms in the future to ensure patients in severe distress can access end-of-life options more quickly.

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