Compassion & Choices’ own Osha Towers reminds us why this work matters so much: “What we know we can do right now is be able to just show up for all individuals to make sure that they know what they need to be prepared for.” 💛 Read the story: https://ow.ly/MyCp50XFKCQ

Compassion Legal continues to monitor threats to medical aid-in-dying laws in authorized states. A lawsuit aimed at temporarily blocking DE's law is the third lawsuit of its kind, and we anticipate more challenges to laws in the future. Learn more: https://candc.link/de-lawsuit-dismissal

From our team to you and yours: Happy Holidays, and thank you for a historic year made possible by supporters like you.

The path is clearing for terminally ill New Yorkers to access #MedicalAidinDying. Thank you, Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin & Senator Brad Hoylman for your commitment. We look forward to continuing to work together to preserve bodily autonomy and options to end suffering.

Proud to see our own Jessica Empeño featured on the Best Life Best Death podcast! She explores what dementia is, why testing matters, how a dementia advance directive works, and the essential needs of caregivers and support systems. Listen here: https://ow.ly/cOlJ50XHxRb

Remembering legendary activist and trans elder Miss Major 🩵 Her wide-ranging work included HIV/AIDS care, community support networks, and launching San Francisco’s first mobile needle exchange. May her vision and intergenerational, intersectional approach continue to inspire us.

When Susan Hatch’s husband, Teddy, was resuscitated against his explicit wishes, it showed how fragile patients’ rights can be. She’s speaking out so no family has to endure what hers did and to ensure advance directives are followed. Read Susan’s story: https://ow.ly/2pZt50XxzBx

🥳We did it, Illinois! Governor Pritzker just signed The Illinois End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB 1950), aka Deb’s Law, into law! ✍️ This makes Illinois the 13th U.S. jurisdiction to affirm the rights of terminally ill adults to die peacefully on their own terms.

We recently hosted our 2026 legislative + federal preview webinar, giving supporters an inside look at what’s ahead for the medical aid-in-dying movement. 2025 brought historic progress and the momentum continues in 2026. Read the full update: 🔗 https://ow.ly/LGV050XvMp2

As the year ends, we’re committed to ensuring everyone gets the end-of-life healthcare they want. Until Dec 31, every online gift will be matched 200% thanks to an anonymous donor! candc.link/hope

For #GivingTuesday, we’re sharing a moving story about choice, love, and dignity at the end of life. Her words offer a powerful reminder of why compassionate options matter. https://ow.ly/XLYi50XvMbF

At the Indian American Impact Summit, Compassion & Choices joined a conversation about how to talk about end of life with love, honesty, and respect across generations. Read how to start these meaningful conversations: https://ow.ly/aVK450XrGw3 #EndOfLifePlanning

A promise kept. 💜 Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 403, making California’s End of Life Option Act permanent, fulfilling the promise Dan Diaz made to his late wife, Brittany Maynard. Her story sparked a nationwide movement for compassionate end-of-life options. 🔗 https://ow.ly/V3Nb50Xmm5P

We all deserve to be honored, in life & in death. On #TransDayOfRemembrance, we mourn the trans lives lost too soon and honor the strength and resilience of the trans community. Hear death doula David Copeland reflect on these realities and his work with LGBTQ+ people. https://ow.ly/zyVb50Xu19e#TransDayOfRemembrance

Nancy Uden lived with courage and conviction, advocating for medical aid in dying even as she faced an incurable brain cancer. “We all deserve autonomy - the right to make our own decisions about life and death.” Read Nancy’s story: https://ow.ly/WI7I50XrGos #EndOfLifeChoices

💛 “Each document is a portrait of a life changed, a life honored, a future planned.” Steph Routh shares how becoming a notary public opened unexpected doors to connection and community, especially when helping people complete advance directives. Read her heartfelt story: https://ow.ly/3tpO50XqEU6

Dr. Paulina Sosa-Quintanilla is helping Latino families turn grief into action. Through Latinx Voces and her partnership with Compassion & Choices, she’s creating safe spaces for culturally sensitive end-of-life conversations - one platica at a time. Learn more: 🔗 https://ow.ly/Rmnq50XmlT6

This Giving Tuesday, our theme says it all: Your wishes. Our mission. We’re working for a future where everyone can make their own end-of-life decisions. Every donation made to Compassion & Choices will be matched 100%. https://ow.ly/FsLI50XrGCg #GivingTuesday

Everyone deserves the right to make their own end-of-life decisions. Michigan’s “pregnancy exclusion” denies that right. Compassion Legal is challenging this unconstitutional law to protect patient autonomy and equality. Read more about the new lawsuit: https://ow.ly/nbQh50XmlBN #EndOfLifeCare

Gov. Pritzker has a chance to bring compassion to the end of life in Illinois. By signing the End-of-Life Options Act, he can honor advocates like Deb Robertson, who’ve fought to give terminally ill people the choice to die on their own terms. https://ow.ly/nAPr50XnaGU

Still thinking about enrolling in our Advance Care Planning (ACP) Certificate Program? This continuing education program is designed to increase your competence and confidence facilitating conversations about ACP! Save your spot today! https://ow.ly/1nzA50Xkki1

An interview with Isabella Carr, M.Div., founder of Deathfat Doula. She shares how weight stigma shapes end-of-life experiences, the importance of fat liberation in death care, and how we can all plan for care that honors every body. Watch now: https://ow.ly/ItSW50XeVVZ

Women make up almost 2/3 of Americans living with Alzheimer’s yet it’s rarely seen as a women’s health issue. A new JAMA study explores why, pointing to biological, hormonal & social factors that put women at greater risk. 🧠 Learn more: https://ow.ly/NolS50XgOPT #Alzheimers #WomensHealth

We are thrilled to share that the Illinois End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act has passed the state senate and is now on the way to @govpritzker ’s desk to be signed into law.

Your online life is part of your legacy. Our blog shares five practical steps to help ensure your loved ones can access your photos, accounts, and memories when you’re gone. Plan with compassion. Read more: https://ow.ly/vUjz50XbfsT

Meet David Copeland, a death doula dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community with compassion and care. From his roots in Selma, Alabama, to his work in Cincinnati, David helps people navigate end-of-life care, chosen family, and legacy with dignity. Watch his story: https://ow.ly/BCEr50XbfV0

Emergency rooms save lives, but for people near life’s end, aggressive treatment can do more harm than good. Dr. True McMahan brings palliative care to the ER so patients’ wishes guide the care. “Every specialty should know palliative care, especially emergency medicine.” https://ow.ly/JOR150Xa93Q

Compassion & Choices and The Contemplative Doula have launched The Death Literacy Project, supporting educators who are helping communities across the U.S. talk about death, dying, and end-of-life care with confidence and compassion. Read more: https://ow.ly/9bLZ50Xbibp

For more than a decade, Judy Govatos has lived with cancer. Now she’s fighting for the right to choose a compassionate death on her own terms. 💜 https://compassionandchoices.org/blog/the-fight-to-secure-access-to-medical-aid-in-dying-continues/

Compassion Legal’s impact is growing. • Death doulas win in Indiana • Challenging the Kansas “Pregnancy Exclusion” law • Fighting residency restrictions in Colorado & New Jersey These cases are shaping the future of end-of-life care: https://ow.ly/A0lq50XatsJ #EndOfLifeOptions #LegalAdvocacy

A new Colorado report shows improved access to medical aid in dying — 28% more patients in 2024 after key law updates. Thoughtful reforms mean more people can choose care that reflects their values. https://ow.ly/fl0T50XatEE

The government shutdown has real consequences for end-of-life care. Telehealth access has been rolled back, hospice programs face uncertainty, and vulnerable patients are feeling the impact. Learn what’s changing and how we are responding: https://ow.ly/gZBT50Xatqs

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're helping Massachusetts communities begin end-of-life planning and overcome cultural and language barriers. “It’s peace of mind for you and your loved ones." - Leslie Martinez Ramirez, Compassion & Choices. Public News Service https://ow.ly/bGE650XaECi

Roseana Spangler-Sims chose peace in her final weeks with loved ones. Her story in People magazine shows the comfort of facing death without fear. "I’m ready to go." Read more: https://ow.ly/8CPh50X9Xg4 #EndOfLifeOptions #CompassionAndChoices #DignityInDeath

End-of-life options are under attack in Colorado. Learn more: candc.link/co-intervention

President and CEO Kevin Díaz reflects on the broad community that powers our legal work in his newest note.

Ben and Ayla’s grieving mothers are asking @governor.ny.gov to take action. She has the power to stop pain, so no other parent has to watch their child die with needless suffering. Read Kate and Amy's plea to have the Medical Aid in Dying Act signed into law: #MedicalAidInDying #EndOfLifeChoices

Healthcare proxy, agent, power of attorney — what's the difference? Learn more about these key terms and how you can choose a trusted representative to speak on your behalf: compassionandchoices.org/news/who-wil... #HealthcareProxy #AdvanceCarePlanning

Death doula Isabella Carr, M.Div., is filling a critical gap in end-of-life care: supporting people in bigger bodies. She recently shared wisdom and guidance on navigating life’s final chapter: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUaW... #EndOfLifeCare #WeightStigma #DeathDoula #EqualityAtEverySize

Congratulations to The Pitt for its Emmy wins! The show boldly tackles a range of end-of-life topics, reminding us that portraying accurate information on-screen can positively impact real lives. www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-featur... #AdvanceDirectives #EndOfLifeDecisions #2025EmmyAwards

In our latest National Arts & Culture webinar, filmmaker Sandra Luckow discusses her new documentary "Vanishing: A Love Story," which explores award-winning novelist Cai Emmons' heartful journey toward death. Watch on-demand now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYWe... #EndOfLifeDecisions #PersonalAgency

Outside Oregon & Vermont, residency rules shut out non-residents from MAID. We’re fighting to change that. candc.org/article/the-medical-aid-in-dying-residency-requirement/ #MedicalAidInDying #EndOfLifeChoices #HealthJustice

C&C champion Roseana Spangler-Sims used CA's medical aid-in-dying law to end her suffering on August 31, 2025. In this People exclusive, her loved ones and care providers share their thoughts on the final hours they spent with Roseana. #MedicalAidInDying #EndOfLifeChoices

Dementia can make it harder — or even impossible — to express care wishes. That’s why it’s critical to plan ahead. Here’s how we’re equipping professionals to have these essential conversations: compassionandchoices.org/news/essenti... #DementiaCare #AdvanceCarePlanning

As #Hamilton turns 10, we reflect on the many lessons the show provides & hold one specifically very close to our heart: Legacy. Have you planned your legacy? Give your loved ones the gift of helping you finish your great symphony today. candc.link/3HNqpjC #EstatePlanning #MakeAWillMonth #Hamilten

Death doula Isabella Carr, M.Div., shares how weight stigma shows up in healthcare — and how people can take control of their end-of-life journey. 🎥 Watch the full interview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUaW... #HealthEquity #EqualityAtEverySize #FatLiberation #EndOfLifeOptions

Our next National Arts & Culture webinar will feature Fran Volkmann, author of Herself to the End. Register now! join.compassionandchoices.org/a/herselftot... #EndOfLifeChoices #Alzheimers #AdvanceCareDirectives #VSED

The Community Death Literacy Project has launched! This collaboration between C&C and The Contemplative Doula is designed to empower educators to lead meaningful conversations about living, dying & grieving. Learn more today: compassionandchoices.org/news/the-com... #Grief #EndOfLife #DeathLiteracy

SCOTUS ruled Medicaid enrollees can’t challenge harmful care restrictions. This threatens access to trusted hospice, home health and palliative care providers. Read more: compassionandchoices.org/news/supreme... #SCOTUS #Medicaid #EndOfLifeCare #PatientRights

Josh Roth's grandmother had no will in place when she died, so his family had to figure out what she would have wanted done with all of her assets. Give your loved ones the gift of peace. Create your will today, free of charge! www.freewill.com/compassionan... #MakeAWillMonth #EstatePlanning