WHAT MAiD IS
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is a state-authorized medical practice available in certain U.S. jurisdictions. It allows eligible terminally ill adults to request and obtain medication they may choose to self-administer to bring about death on their own terms and timing.
In the United States, MAiD is:
- A legal medical practice in authorized jurisdictions
- Available only to eligible terminally ill adults
- Initiated voluntarily by the patient
- Governed primarily by state law
- Subject to specific eligibility requirements and safeguards
- Based on patient autonomy and informed consent
For more detailed information, including eligibility requirements and safeguards, visit What MAiD Is and Eligibility & Safeguards.
WHAT MAiD IS NOT
Medical Aid in Dying is frequently misunderstood. It is distinct from other end-of-life practices and should not be used interchangeably with them.
MAiD is not:
- Euthanasia
- Mercy killing
- Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment
- Palliative sedation
- A physician directly administering life-ending medication
These distinctions matter because different end-of-life practices carry different legal, medical, and ethical meanings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Many visitors begin with the FAQ. It provides concise answers to common questions about eligibility, safeguards, terminology, reporting requirements, and how MAiD laws work in the United States.
Whether you are new to the topic or seeking clarification on a specific issue, the FAQ offers a practical starting point.
WHY THIS SITE EXISTS
A central goal of USMAiD.org is to help build a national identity for MAiD in the United States. As awareness of Medical Aid in Dying grows, clear language, accessible information, and a shared understanding of MAiD become increasingly important.
To understand the full purpose behind this site, read Why MAiD Deserves a National Identity, a foundational essay that explores how a recognizable brand identity, paired with a national website, could be the catalyst that finally moves MAiD into all 50 states.
EXPLORE RESOURCES
Answers to common questions about MAiD terminology, eligibility, safeguards, and laws.
A directory of organizations involved in education, advocacy, research, professional practice, and patient support.
Terminology guidance, sourcing information, and reference materials that support accurate reporting on MAiD.
For a complete list of resources available on this site, visit MAiD Resources.