Brittany Maynard ‘Poster Girl’ For Right to Die Laws

After being diagnosed with brain cancer, 29 year-old Brittany Maynard ended her own life under Oregon’s “Death With Dignity” legislation.  Right to die campaigners will use Brittany Maynard as a “poster girl” for a worldwide push for right-to-die laws. 

Barbara Coombs Lee, president of Compassion & Choices, played a vital role in drawing up the state’s Death With Dignity Act, and wanted people around the world to follow in Oregon’s footsteps.  “So many people across the world share broken hearts now because they came to admire Brittany Maynard and get close to her.  People who are grieving want to turn to action so I think there are millions and millions of people throughout the world who are looking to make a difference.”

Yet, Maynard’s assisted dying advocacy has sparked controversy.  A senior Vatican official commented that there is “no dignity in assisted dying.”  While few countries have such legislation, attempts to introduce it are currently under way.  In Britain, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, the former Labour lord chancellor, is attempting to see legislation through the House of Lords. 

See Ryan Parry, Right-to-Die Newlywed Brittany Maynard to become ‘Poster Girl’ for Assisted dying in wake of her death, reveals activist group for ‘Dignity’ for Terminally Ill, Daily Mail, Nov. 10, 2014.