After a five-year journey with ovarian cancer, I’ve exhausted all treatments that can prolong my life and decided to enroll in hospice care. I intend to remain at my home in St. Paul and enjoy my life as much as I can for as long as I can.
So, it is with mixed emotion that I celebrate New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham signing the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Option Act into law on April 8, making New Mexico the 10th state (11th jurisdiction) to allow terminally ill adults the option of a peaceful death. On the one hand, I am happy for the many advocates who have worked tirelessly for years to make this option a reality in their state; but I’m also truly disheartened and frustrated that Minnesota lawmakers refuse to grant terminally ill Minnesotans like me the same choice.
[image_caption]Marianne Turnbull[/image_caption]
Over the years, as a volunteer for Compassion & Choices, I’ve met with and spoken to many people about medical aid in dying. The vast majority support the option because too many have witnessed unnecessary suffering. But, in Minnesota, medical aid in dying is a criminal act. I believe that is a private, personal decision best made by individuals, their families, their doctors and their spiritual advisers; it should not be left up to lawmakers to decide.
I’ve far outlived most Stage IV ovarian cancer survivors, and for that I am grateful. But, over the years, I’ve watched the disease take other women and so I know that end will not be easy. As I move into hospice, I am at peace and making the most of my time despite a constant struggle with pain. Having the option of medical aid in dying – having a prescription for a peaceful death by my side – could help ease my anxiety knowing that I can decide if and when I’ve had enough. It would also allow me to plan for my final days and invite my friends and family to be at my side.
I know that this movement will continue to grow and that, eventually, most Americans will have the freedom to make our own end-of-life decisions. But it won’t happen by magic. Minnesotans who care need to get involved now. There is no time to waste.
Marianne Turnbull is a retired social worker who lives in St. Paul.
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I’ve got a brain tumor named Abigail (Abby Normal, for all you Mel Brooks fans out there) and Abby will claim me in a couple of years. It sure would be nice to have an end of life option that doesn’t include endless suffering as medical professionals try to extend a vessel that’s way past its use by date.
Kudos to Dorothy Parker, but my list of options are much more limited due to outdated laws.
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
Todd, it takes a special brand of courage to laugh in the face of one’s own death, and I marvel at yours. Long may you laugh, and may that laughter light your way as you battle Abby Normal to the end. Thank you for commenting on Marianne’s piece; she has been a ceaseless warrior in the fight for medical aid in dying in Minnesota, and even now, in hospice, raises her battle cry for the rights of terminally ill people in Minnesota to have agency over the end of life.
There are two kinds of courage on display here; I salute you both. It’s time, Minnesota -tell your lawmakers. Call the Capitol. Send an email, write a letter. Terminally ill people who seek medical aid in dying are not choosing to die; that choice was taken from them with their diagnosis. They are choosing to live out their precious remaining days in peace, secure in the knowledge that they can shape for themselves and their loved ones, the quality and quantity of those diminishing days.
Tara Flaherty Guy, Volunteer
Compassion and Choices, MN