Brittany Maynard

American advocate for the legalization of assisted suicide

Brittany Maynard

Brittany Lauren Maynard (November 19, 1984 – November 1, 2014) was an American woman who became a prominent advocate for the legalization of assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Her decision to end her life under Oregon's Death with Dignity Act brought international attention to the issue of end-of-life care and the rights of terminally ill patients.

Early Life and Education

Brittany Maynard was born in Anaheim, California, and grew up in the city of Orange, California. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Maynard later pursued a master's degree in education at the University of California, Irvine.

Diagnosis and Illness

In January 2014, at the age of 29, Maynard was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. After undergoing surgery and treatment, her doctors informed her that her condition was terminal and that she had only months to live. Faced with the prospect of a painful and debilitating decline, Maynard began to explore her options for end-of-life care.

Advocacy for Assisted Suicide

Maynard and her family moved to Oregon, one of the few states in the United States where assisted suicide was legal under the Death with Dignity Act. She became a public advocate for the right of terminally ill patients to choose to end their lives on their own terms. Her story was widely covered in the media, and she partnered with the advocacy group Compassion & Choices to raise awareness about the issue.

Maynard's decision to end her life on November 1, 2014, was a carefully planned event, surrounded by her family and friends. Her story sparked a national conversation about the ethics and legality of assisted suicide, influencing legislation and public opinion across the country.

Legacy

Brittany Maynard's advocacy had a significant impact on the movement for the legalization of assisted suicide. Her story inspired many to consider the importance of patient autonomy and the right to die with dignity. Several states have since passed laws similar to Oregon's, allowing terminally ill patients to seek medical assistance in dying.

Related Pages

• Assisted suicide
• Death with Dignity Act
• Compassion & Choices
• End-of-life care