ABOUT

Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is not a well-understood concept. This site provides clear, factual information about how MAiD works in the United States, how it differs from Canada’s system, and why precise language matters. It is designed to support journalists, policymakers, and the public in navigating a complex topic with accuracy and clarity.

The U.S. model of MAiD is grounded in patient autonomy and personal consent. It applies only to terminally ill, mentally capable adults in jurisdictions where the practice is legal. Because public vocabulary around MAiD is inconsistent, this site offers a stable reference point for responsible reporting and public understanding.

This project does not take a position for or against legislation. Its focus is clarity, accuracy, and public‑health–aligned understanding of medical aid in dying in the United States. Its purpose is to help people understand what MAiD is, what it is not, and how the U.S. system fits within the broader landscape of end‑of‑life care. Clear language supports informed decisions, respectful dialogue, and trustworthy journalism.

Together, these efforts support a consistent, public‑health–aligned understanding of medical aid in dying across U.S. jurisdictions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mona Pearce is the founder of the U.S. MAiD Public Health Education Initiative, a project focused on improving clarity, accuracy, and public understanding of medical aid in dying (MAiD) in the United States. Her work centers on language precision, public‑health framing, and reducing confusion caused by inconsistent terminology across jurisdictions.

She brings a background in research, editorial development, and language architecture, with experience supporting journalists, clinicians, and public‑facing organizations in producing clear, statute‑aligned communication. Her approach emphasizes accuracy, transparency, and accessibility without promoting a position for or against legislation.

Mona holds a B.A. in Business from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and a Master of Science in Organizational Psychology from Lamar University. Her future work will focus on interviewing individuals and families to document their experiences with end‑of‑life care and decision‑making, with the goal of expanding public understanding through human‑centered storytelling. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Contact

For inquiries related to this project, Mona can be reached at:
info@usmaid.org