About one in three U.S. residents currently have a healthcare option that has for far too long been denied to the people of Rhode Island: The chance to chart their own end-of-life journey, including the compassionate option of medical aid in dying.
The Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act, currently being considered by the Rhode Island State Legislature, would allow terminally ill adults with six months or less to live the choice to request and take medication prescribed by their doctor to end unbearable suffering. It is entirely optional for both the terminally ill person and their doctors, and it puts the patient in charge of their dying process.
In 2025, Leigh Anne Hohlstein was diagnosed with ALS, a relentless disease that has already taken away her ability to speak. She writes, "It's too late for me to benefit from the passage of the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act, but I hope that terminally-ill Rhode Islanders who come after me will have this important option. Please contact your senators and representatives and ask them to finally support this important legislation."
Access to a peaceful death should not be determined by where you live. Send a message to your state legislators today.
By taking action today, you show your support for choice at the end of life. You'll receive vital info from Compassion & Choices and Compassion & Choices Action Network and be the first to learn about further opportunities for action.
The Compassion & Choices family comprises two organizations: Compassion & Choices (the 501(c)(3)), whose focus is expanding access, public education and litigation; and Compassion & Choices Action Network (the 501(c)(4)), whose focus is legislative work at the federal and state levels. By submitting this form, you affirm your membership in the Compassion & Choices Action Network. Membership is open to anyone committed to advancing end-of-life options and is renewed annually through a donation or online action.I'm reaching out to ask you to support S2051, the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act filed by Senator Meghan Kallman.
This act provides mentally capable, terminally ill adults the option to request and self-administer medication to end their lives peacefully. The entire process is patient-driven from the initial request to self-administration.
Decisions about death belong to the dying. This legislation allows for open conversations between patients, their families, and their providers about their physical and spiritual needs at the end of life. It gives terminally ill people the peace of mind to focus on the time they have left.
Terminally-ill Rhode Islanders do not have the luxury of endless deliberations; they need the relief and autonomy this law affords right now. By passing S2051, we ensure that our residents can receive compassionate, evidence-based care within their own communities, supported by the clinicians and loved ones they trust.
I look forward to hearing from you on this legislation that is very important to me.
