Heartfelt Story of Brittany Maynard: The Face of Death with Dignity

Then, Maynard made headlines globally by announcing that she intended to end her life under Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act. So, she took a fatal dose of barbiturates prescribed by a doctor when her suffering was too painful.

Brittany’s Background

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Brittany was born on 19 November 1984 in Anaheim, California. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. Then, Brittany received a master’s degree in 2010 from the University of California, Irvine School of Education. After that, she traveled throughout the world, volunteered to work in educational institutions and orphanages, and then got married.

A Terminal Diagnosis

In 2014, it became clear that Brittany’s brain tumor was a terminal diagnosis. So, she planned to use the Oregon Death with Dignity Act for a peaceful ending of her life. But unfortunately, she resided in California, and the state did not allow terminally ill patients to seek help from physicians in dying. So, she relocated to Oregon with her family.

Maynard’s disease effects made her see a limited quality of life, and her pain level was severe even with medical assistance. Moreover, this physical distress worsens by devastating psychological effects of knowing her life could end at any minute. Under such circumstances, Brittany wanted to decide her own fate. 

She did not want to walk through the years wondering when she would succumb to her rapid brain deterioration.

Sharing Maynard’s Story

Brittany realized that this search for physicians was expensive. Moreover, she feels it is unfair to terminal patients who live in states that do not have a death with dignity law. So, Maynard spoke to her mother several times about getting this law passed in California. 

This deep sense of injustice drove Brittany with some unease, and she decided to open up her heart-breaking life to the world.

Movement Transform

Brittany Maynard became the face of the death with dignity movement. First, she gave an intelligent explanation of why she wanted to have a say in the impending death matter. 

Then, suddenly, an entire new generation was looking at the imminent death of someone in their demographic. Next, they thought about why state legislators hadn’t given laws to seek aid in dying.

Promise from Mother

Brittany requested her mother, Debbie, to make efforts to get a similar law passed in California so that other patients do not have to suffer. Debbie vowed to her daughter that she would dedicate her time and efforts to fulfilling this request.

After Brittany’s death, her mother and Death with Dignity Board President George Eighmey met with legislators in Sacramento several times. They testified in support of the proposed End of Life Option Act. Debbie’s courage and tireless advocacy played a key role in influencing lawmakers to pass the bill.

Final Thoughts

No matter how popular Brittany has become, she is a person, not a cause. Her decision is hers and hers alone. And despite how sad her situation was, everyone should be comforted knowing that Maynard’s decision turned out to be the right one.