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“I didn’t launch this campaign because I wanted attention; in fact, its hard for me to process it all. I did this because I want to see a world where everyone has access to death with dignity, as I have had. My journey is easier because of this choice.” – Brittany Maynard
Days after her husband’s birthday, 29-year-old Brittany Maynard scheduled the ending her own life on November 1 by taking a lethal medication prescribed to her under Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act.
After going to the doctor with painful headaches, doctors gave Maynard approximately 6 months to live after she was diagnosed with a stage 4 glioblastoma (a malignant brain tumor) in April this year. Doctors predicted she had 10 years to live. But just three months later, her tumor had grown significantly, even after surgery. Maynard had glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer. At best, she would only survive another few months.
Last month, Maynard was hospitalized following seizures. Maynard is managing her pain with medication, but says her exhaustion levels are increasing. But, she says, her deteriorating condition only affirms the choice she is making.
After reviewing her limited options, Maynard decided that choosing to end her life was the best option for her. She said it took time for her family to fully accept her decision.
Launched Monday in conjunction with the ‘death with dignity’ law advocacy organization Compassion & Choices, the video has already been viewed 6,534,910 times and still counting.
According to her website, Brittany plans to use the weeks she has left on earth to “advocate for access for death with dignity in California and nationwide.” As part of this goal, she will be recording a videotape testimony to be played for California lawmakers and voters at an appropriate time.
What do you think of Maynard’s choice?
