A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Kentucky sees growing support for medical-aid-in-dying bill as new legislation is being considered


By Nadia Ramlagan
Public News Service

Legislation in Kentucky — House Bill 149 — would give a person who has a terminal illness but is of sound mind the ability to request a medication they could self-administer to end their life at a time of their choosing.

Kentuckians who have traveled to places where medical aid in dying is legal in order to help a loved end their suffering say they support the bill.

In 2019, Deborah McElhannon traveled from Shelby County all the way to Switzerland with her husband, whose metastatic kidney cancer left him in unbearable pain, to receive what she called “compassionate relief.”

The McElhannons enjoyed Derby Day, one year before his medically assisted death. (Photo provided byt the McElhannons)

“Within fewer than 30 seconds he was asleep,” said McElhannon. “And in less than another minute he was gone. He had said many times during his illness, ‘I just want to go to sleep and end this.’ And it was as quick and peaceful as he wanted.”

A 2020 Medscape survey found 55% of more than 5,000 doctors said they believe medical aid in dying should be available.

However, the American Medical Association maintains its opposition to this end-of-life option, calling the practice “fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer.”

The bill’s primary sponsor, state Rep. Josie Raymond – D-Louisville – said the bill offers ways to help terminally ill Kentuckians talk openly and honestly about end-of-life options with their medical providers and families.

“We believe that it’s compassionate,” said Raymond, “and badly needed solution for families, for caretakers, for patients, who are suffering unnecessarily.”

Jefferson County resident Kate Cunningham and her husband temporarily moved to Washington State last year so he could receive medical end-of-life care.

She explained he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, and after chemotherapy, survived only on liquid nutrition.

Last spring, he was diagnosed again, this time with an untreatable form of esophageal cancer.

“We don’t treat our pets that way,” said Cunningham. “We should not treat loving partners that way, just force them to starve themselves to death to rid themselves of terminal illness.”

In a 2020 Gallup poll, nearly three-quarters of Americans said they support the option of medical aid in dying, for themselves or loved ones.

Nine states have already passed laws to legalize it.


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5 Comments

  1. Molly says:

    If you read that whole piece and that is the section you thought required comment I would have to question your level of compassion for any living being. The true sad statement is that terminally ill Americans are being forced to uproot their lives to have access to end-of-life options that reflect their personal values and beliefs. Those of us who support this option (74% of Americans) are done being shamed by misinformation, disinformation, and fear-mongering. If I am a terminally ill adult who has the legal capacity to make my own healthcare decisions I demand the freedom to voluntarily decide what the end of my life looks like. You are welcome to do the same.

  2. Norm Stewart says:

    Great article! Thank you Ms. Ramlagan and the NK Tribune. Thank you Molly for your well-informed comment. I am happy to report that one year ago this month New Mexico became the 10th state and 11th Jurisdiction [including D.C.] to legalize Medical Aid-in-Dying. More than 20 other states have had bills introduced in their legislatures. In surveys across a broad spectrum of faith traditions in the U.S. more than 70% of our citizens support this issue. This is not about more people dying, it is about less people suffering.

  3. Catherine Morton Ward says:

    I saw this article and was glad to know that the bill has been introduced again to allow Medical Aid in Dying in Kentucky. Unfortunately, the reporter misunderstood the information given to her by Kate Cunningham. Kate and her partner did not move to Washington. Kate was describing what they would have had to do, not what they actually did. Her partner died at home in Kentucky without being able to avail himself of the option to exit on his own terms.
    I hope that the Kentucky legislature can pass House Bill 149 before anyone else I know receives a terminal diagnosis and is faced with the terrible choice to leave the state and all of the support and comfort one has in ones own surroundings.

  4. Kate Cunningham says:

    I regret that the reporter misunderstood me: I told her in a phone interview that my
    partner and I Discussed moving to Washington state to establish residency solely
    to get medical assistance in dying, but when the terminal diagnosis came, we knew
    we could not uproot ourselves and leave our “support network” of family and friends
    here to face an existential crisis alone, in an unknown, anonymous temporary
    apartment. I am grateful MAID is being discussed and hope that KY will
    pass Rep Josie Raymond’s compassionate bill.

  5. Stacy says:

    Wonderful articles…
    I live in the state of Kentucky and have a rare disease with multiple complications and nasty symptoms.
    There is no cure and have not had any beneficial or helpful medications.
    As my symptoms progress and new ones arise, I asked myself why do I feel like I am being punished!?
    Kentucky has always been seen as ‘the slow state and ‘old school and I agree.

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