The New Jersey Department of Health has released a report detailing the utilization of the state’s Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act during 2020. The report highlights that 33 terminally ill residents across 16 counties in New Jersey chose to utilize this law to ensure a peaceful end to their suffering. An overwhelming majority, 94%, of these individuals were white, with cancer being the predominant underlying condition in 73% of cases, and neurological diseases accounting for 15%.
This data contrasts with the initial five months following the law’s implementation on August 1, 2019, where 12 residents accessed medical aid in dying. The monthly average in this period was 2.4 adults, which slightly increased to 2.75 per month in 2020, according to the health department’s reports. It’s important to note that New Jersey recorded over 74,000 deaths from all causes in 2019; comprehensive statewide death data for 2020 is still pending.
Kim Callinan, President and CEO of Compassion & Choices, points out the expected trend of increased utilization in the law’s second year. “Normally, we would anticipate a significant rise in utilization during the second year,” Callinan explained. “This is typically due to greater adoption of supportive policies by healthcare providers and increased public awareness of this peaceful dying option.” However, Callinan, who has roots in Bergen County, suggests that “COVID-19 likely created barriers, limiting access to medical aid in dying for many terminally ill New Jerseyans.”
Looking ahead, Callinan anticipates further adoption of the law, stating, “We do expect that more terminally ill New Jerseyans will utilize this law in the future. However, experiences from other regions indicate that utilization rates are likely to remain below 1% of the total statewide mortality rate.”
To address the needs of individuals in New Jersey and across the nation, Compassion & Choices offers a valuable resource: the free online Find Care tool. This tool is designed to assist individuals in locating healthcare providers who are supportive of a comprehensive range of end-of-life care options. Furthermore, Compassion & Choices has developed a suite of online resources for both patients and medical professionals. Their Plan Your Care Resource Center includes a dedicated COVID-19 toolkit, providing crucial support for navigating end-of-life care during the complexities of the pandemic.
These resources complement the official guidance provided by the New Jersey Department of Health, which offers detailed information for healthcare providers and patients on participating in the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act and the necessary forms. The New Jersey Hospital Association has also contributed to this support system by publishing a comprehensive implementation toolkit for healthcare providers.
Dr. Deborah Pasik, a physician practicing in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, shares her experience with medical aid in dying, highlighting the profound clarity and peace it brings to patients. “What I found truly remarkable in every terminally ill individual I have prescribed medical aid in dying to, without exception, was their unwavering clarity in their requests,” Dr. Pasik noted. “Their decisions were the result of extensive reflection and discussions, often involving weeks of conversations with family, friends, and even clergy. Each one expressed deep gratitude and a sense of peace. The anxiety they carried seemed to dissipate once they knew the prescription was in place. They were then able to focus on celebrating their remaining time with loved ones, creating legacy videos, and managing their affairs with a remarkable clarity that comes from knowing they had regained control.”
The Compassion & Choices Find Care tool and accompanying resources stand as vital instruments in empowering individuals to explore and access their end-of-life care options, ensuring that terminally ill patients can make informed choices aligned with their values and wishes.
