A Connecticut woman diagnosed with fatal fallopian tube cancer has reached an agreement with the state of Vermont about her end-of-life care, making her the first non-resident granted the opportunity to take advantage of a decades-old law allowing her to choose whether she wants to live or die.
“I was so relieved to hear of the settlement of my case that will allow me to decide when cancer has taken all from me that I can bear,” said 75-year-old Lynda Bluestein, who has been diagnosed with three different types of cancer, said of the arrangement.
“The importance of the peace of mind knowing that I will now face fewer obstacles in accessing the autonomy, control, and choice in this private, sacred and very personal decision about the end of my life is enormous.”
Bluestein is currently undergoing chemotherapy for late-stage fallopian tube cancer. She was also previously diagnosed with breast cancer and melanoma. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, she told her family she would likely die within the year.
Vermont is one of 10 states that allow medically assisted suicide, but only one, Oregon, welcomes non-residents.
Last summer, Bluestein and Diana Barnard, a physician from Middlebury, launched their bid to force a change. The pair sued the state of Vermont, alleging the residency requirement violates the Constitution’s commerce, equal protection, and privileges and immunities clauses.
In response, the state legislative committee last month approved a law that would allow terminally ill non-residents to seek medically assisted suicide. It still needs to pass the Senate and then be approved by Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who supports the concept.
Vermont is one of 10 states that allow medically assisted suicide, but only one, Oregon, welcomes non-residents.
Last summer, Bluestein and Diana Barnard, a physician from Middlebury, launched their bid to force a change. The pair sued the state of Vermont, alleging the residency requirement violates the Constitution’s commerce, equal protection, and privileges and immunities clauses.
In response, the state legislative committee last month approved a law that would allow terminally ill non-residents to seek medically assisted suicide. It still needs to pass the Senate and then be approved by Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who supports the concept.