Medical Aid In Dying Support
Mourning Space believes in your right to choose the end of life plan that works for you. This may including the use of Medical Aid in Dying, also called Death with Dignity. To learn more about the California End of Life Option Act, see below or request a 15-minute consultation.
How do I support you and your loved ones when you choose MAiD?
This is an important decision and you deserve support. Expand each item to see how I may be of service to you during the final weeks or months of your life.
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What kind of death are you hoping to achieve?
What do you need your family to know?
What help do you need?
Do you even know what to do or ask?
I can help you look at and assess your choices, and help you create the care plan that is best for you.
You don’t have to know what to ask; I can get us started with my comprehensive intake.
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What is on your bucket list? What do we need to make sure happens before your final day? What will the final day look like for you and those present?
In addition, we discuss what it would look like to begin the process, but not complete it. Many patients who request medication do not choose to ingest. Your death, your choice.
Together we discuss timelines, actions items, and ways you may make your day of ingestion sacred and meaningful.
This may also include discussions and preparation with loved ones. They may have feelings to express or heavy emotions, and together we can acknowledge and make space for their experience while also honoring yours.
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Walking with you and your loved ones on your final day.
I explain the process, provide a stable and grounded presence, communicate with healthcare professionals and provide support to those in attendance.
I often stay until the person has been transferred to the funeral home, mortuary or other entity.
This is your day, and I am here to make it the best possible experience for you and your loved ones.
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This process may take time for your loved ones to integrate.
As a person who was there with you, we can talk honestly about their feelings and experience. We may make meaning, tell stories that need to be told, or just sit together as we process the experience.
Resource Links
MAiD Resources (Multi-State)
Are you looking for more information about the process? Are you needing to find a provider? Do you want access to courses that explain the process in detail? The Academy of Aid-In-Dying Medicine has resources for clinicians, doulas, patients and their families.
In Depth Resources, California
Advocacy and resources in California for all end of life decisions. This website covers MAiD, but also shares resources on many end of life decisions. Educate yourself and your family today, to make the choices that are right for you.
Compassion & Choices
Their name says it all. Find resources here regarding MAiD, but also Dementia care and Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED), plus another end of life decision guide.
For those who want data
The End of Life Option Act (EOLA) allows an adult diagnosed with a terminal disease, who meets certain qualifications, to request the aid-in-dying drugs from their attending physician. Read more from California here.
Our Services
For individuals and families who want emotional and practical MAiD support plus a personalized ceremony, vigil, blessing, or memorial.
What this includes
Everything included in Preparation + Day-of Support
Custom ceremony, vigil, blessing, or memorial planning
Support choosing readings, music, prayers, poems, or rituals
Family storytelling and meaning-making support
Written ceremony or service script
Optional ritual for before ingestion, after death, or a later memorial
Coordination of tone, language, and flow for the gathering
Celebrant-led service or ceremony
For individuals and families who want support in the month leading up to a planned MAiD death.
What this includes
Up to 20 hours of support over 30 days (5 hours estimated for Day of Ingestion)
Help organizing questions for physicians, hospice, and care teams
Support understanding the general MAiD timeline and process
Assistance identifying possible physician or care-team pathways
Family communication support
Preparation for difficult conversations
Death-day planning
Life wrap-up checklist
Support with legacy letters, belongings, messages, and unfinished business
Emotional support for the individual and loved ones
Light text and email support during the planning period
Day-of ingestion presence
One post-death family check-in
For individuals who have completed the medical and legal process and want professional and compassionate support on the day of ingestion.
What this includes
One preparation call before the scheduled day
Review of the space, timing, comfort items, music, or other needs.
Introduction to those present
Emotional support for the individual and loved ones
Steady support before ingestion
Presence during the dying process
Optional simple ritual, prayer, blessing, or moment of reflection
Support for loved ones immediately after death
Guidance on next steps, including who to call and what happens next
Up to 8 hours of day-of support
Frequently Asked Questions
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This stands for Medical Aid in Dying and refers to the End of Life Options Act in California. The End of Life Option Act (EOLA) allows an adult diagnosed with a terminal disease, who meets certain qualifications, to request the aid-in-dying drugs from their attending physician.
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There are strict parameters to qualify, and it must be approved by physicians. To qualify you must:
Be 18 years or older and a resident of California
Have a terminal disease that is expected to result in your death in the next six months
Have medical decision-making capacity and not have impaired judgment due to a mental disorder
Be able to self-ingest the medication.
Once you start the process, the physicians involved will help determine eligibility, but it is always your choice to take it or not.
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Much of this process is self-funded, including use of a doula.
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While they feel like similar concepts, they are different.
The key difference is that it is your choice, and you must self-administer.
This is not an injection and no one is able to do it for you. This is a key component of qualifying for MAiD.
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Many people change their minds and either never request medication, or recieve the medication but never take it.
This is about choices, and why it is often referred to as Death with Dignity.
As for my services, once hired I can pivot my services to include general support at the end of life.
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Between locating and working with physicians, waiting periods, and shipping of medication, you can expect the process to take about one month.
This is variable based on everyone’s unique situation.
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I can support you and your family from anywhere, virtually or with travel.
Send me a note and we can discuss how I can best help you.
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Here are some reasons people choose a doula:
You feel or are alone in the process and want someone with you as a support.
Your family is nervous about your final days and needs a professional’s guidance.
You know that having someone who isn’t as emotionally involved will help provide a steadying presence when things get overwhelming.
Doulas understand the process and can provide resources and a communication partner.
Doula’s prioritize your wishes and desires for the death you want to experience.
Taking on some of the duties that loved ones are reticent to handle.