In a landmark decision, Lynda Bluestein, a 76-year-old woman from Bridgeport, Connecticut, has become the first non-resident to be granted access to Vermont's medical aid in dying law. Local reports indicate that Bluestein, who is suffering from terminal ovarian and fallopian tube cancer, plans to utilize the law on Thursday morning.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology reveals that the five-year survival rate for ovarian and fallopian tube cancers stands at 31%. Bluestein's battle with these diseases led her to seek medical aid in dying as an option to alleviate her suffering.

Vermont is one of ten states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, along with the District of Columbia, where medical aid in dying is legal. Historically, only Oregon permitted terminally ill non-residents to seek physician-assisted suicide. However, a ruling in 2022 deemed the denial of medical aid in dying to non-Oregon residents unconstitutional.

Lynda Bluestein, joined by Dr. Diana Barnard, filed a lawsuit against Vermont in the summer of 2022, arguing that the state's residency requirement violated its own constitution. The lawsuit emphasized that while Bluestein believes in the value of life, she wishes to have the option of medical aid in dying should her suffering become unbearable.

A settlement was reached in March 2023, with Vermont agreeing to waive the residency requirement for Bluestein. Subsequently, in May 2023, Vermont became the second state to eliminate the residency requirement from its medical aid in dying law. The legislation allows doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to terminally ill patients who are 18 years or older. Governor Phil Scott signed the bill into law.

As per local reports, Bluestein has chosen the option of lethal injection to end her life, scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Thursday.

Reflecting on her decision, Bluestein shared her personal experience of witnessing her mother's sufferings, stating that she wants her children to remember her as strong and vibrant, not in a state of helplessness. The Gallup poll conducted in 2018 revealed that 72% of respondents believe doctors should be able to assist terminally ill patients in dying, while a slim majority of 54% find it morally acceptable.

Bluestein's case sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding medical aid in dying. While opinions on the matter may vary, the case marks a significant milestone in expanding access to this end-of-life option for those in need.

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