Maine’s ‘Death with Dignity’ law set to change

PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) - Maine’s “Death with Dignity” law will soon change after Gov. Mills signed off on a bill that amends how the law works.

Mainers living with terminal illnesses soon may not have to wait as long to take life-ending medication because physicians will be able to waive up to ten days of the required waiting period.

As of now, patients must meet certain requirements to qualify and follow protocols, which include two requests within a 17-day window.

Val Lovelace, the executive director of Maine Death with Dignity, says some people die during that waiting period. She says for them and their family, an already heartbreaking situation is even more painful when they inevitably die the way they feared.

“It’s priceless to be able to have what you need to meet your needs at the end of your life, regardless of what those needs are,” Lovelace said.

The program has been available to Mainers with certain terminal illnesses since 2019. Data released by the state shows it’s been used by more than 100 people since its passing.

The change to the law will go into effect in mid September. Once in effect, waiting periods can be no less than seven days.

Even with the change, patients have to wait those seven days. Lovelace says she may advocate for another amendment because the seven-day waiting period can still be too long for someone in critical care.