When the Law Blocks a Peaceful Death: The Fight to Expand Medical Aid in Dying Access

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Marica Hofer, President of A Better Exit, to talk about a devastating and often overlooked fact: many people with diseases like ALS and dementia are locked out of Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD).

Together, they discuss what’s broken in the law, what it means for people who are suffering, and why the ability to plan your own death is a form of dignity.

Marica shares her own story, the experiences of the families she’s supported, and the painful choices some are forced to make too early, just to retain autonomy. She offers advice on how advance directives work (and where they fall short), what families can do early in the diagnosis process, and how legislation needs to change to honor people’s wishes.

This episode aims to challenge assumptions, advocate for expanded access, and spark necessary conversations about equity and ethics in end-of-life care.

Links/Resources

• Guest: Marica Hofer, President of A Better Exit – https://abetterexit.org
• Host: Traci Arieli – https://www.comfortingclosure.com
• A Better Exit Advance Planning Resources – https://abetterexit.org/resources
• End-of-life planning toolkit – https://compassionandchoices.org

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