Following our previous episode on the landscape of medical aid in dying laws in California and across the U.S, we now have great news to share: MAID has the potential to pass in two separate states, New York and Illinois.

Our guest, Mandi Zucker, executive director of End-of-Life Choices NY, joins us to talk about what this bill could mean for patients, the current political landscape (Zohran Mamdani’s support of MAID, Gov. Kathy Hocul’s decision), and her background in grief support and end of life care.

Tune in as we explore this pivotal moment for dignity and choice.

This conversation was recorded just one day before the 3rd anniversary of his passing. His legacy continues to inspire our work.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Remembering Andrew And Big News

1:16 Meet Mandi Zucker And Media Advocacy

3:44 From Schools To Hospice To Purpose

7:45 Why Aid In Dying Found A Champion

12:45 The New York Bill’s Path And Safeguards

18:40 Politics, Choice, And Misconceptions

24:40 Access, Residency, And Equity

29:20 Faith, Opposition, And Public Support

33:20 U.S. Versus Canada: Slippery Slope Myths

38:00 Grief Work With Children And Families

44:00 Language, Culture, And Honest Conversations

49:20 Implementing The Law And Infrastructure

55:20 Staying Motivated And Community Strength

1:05:00 Final Appeal And Ways To Help

Jess Pezley, senior staff attorney at Compassion and Choices, explores the current legal landscape surrounding medical aid in dying legislation in California and across the United States, addressing challenges, misconceptions, and its connection to broader healthcare rights.

• Medical aid in dying laws face ongoing legal challenges from religious organizations
• A key challenge through United Spinal vs California claims the law discriminates against those with disabilities
• California's MAID model represents the ideal balance with robust safeguards against the more expansive Canadian approach
• The Supreme Court's Dobbs decision creates potential threats to healthcare autonomy broadly
• Approximately 37% of Californians who receive MAID prescriptions never use them, demonstrating the value of the option itself
• Most people accessing MAID are simultaneously receiving hospice care (94%)
• Legal challenges to abortion access and gender-affirming care create precedents that could impact end-of-life options
• Having end-of-life conversations and creating advance directives remains critically important for everyone
• The tight-knit community formed around Andrew's advocacy continues his legacy of compassion and determination

CHAPTERS:

0:20 Introduction

2:16 Jess Pezley's Path to Compassion and Choices

6:45 Working with Andrew

30:15 Disability and Bodily Autonomy

55:05 Canada vs. California MAID Models

1:01:30 Personal Impact of Working with the Dying

1:05:05 Favorite Pizza

1:08:00 Slippery Slope Argument

1:14:00 Andrew's Legacy and Strength

We are back with an unreleased gem from the podcast archives. Join us as Serene Meshel-Dillman, director of the upcoming docu-series "Take Me Out Feet First" about Medical Aid in Dying, discusses the project. Andrew is featured in one of the episodes in the docu-series!

"Take Me Out Feet First" will soon be available on Amazon SVOD.

This episode is enriched with Andrew’s unique insights. Enjoy a lively conversation between Serene and Andrew as they discuss the inspirations behind the documentary, the process of securing the rights to the song “Blackbird” from Paul McCartney, the impact of social media on people with cancer, the podcast’s theme music, and much more.

The episode concludes with a beautiful rendition of the Beatles' "Blackbird" performed by Sam Wood.

Recording Date: May 6, 2022

Learn more about the podcast & follow our story - deathwithdignitypodcast.com // @DWDPodcast2021 (Twitter)