Medical aid in dying (“MAID”) is when a terminally ill patient takes a prescribed medication to achieve a death in line with their own values. MAID is legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia and legislation permitting MAID will be considered in Virginia and Maryland legislative sessions in 2026. This program will present the first-hand experience of families and a doctor that have utilized MAID and explore the practical, emotional and psychological challenges. It will also bring together Reform, Orthodox and Conservative rabbis to explore the halachic and ethical challenges of legalizing and utilizing MAID.

This program is sponsored by Rabbi David and Naomi Balto in memory of Rabbi James Michael, z’’l, former Director of Pastoral Care at Charles E. Smith Life Communities. For almost 20 years, Rabbi Michaels guided the spiritual care program at Charles E. Smith Life Communities, delivering compassionate care to hundreds of residents, managing a rich religious learning and services program, and training scores of chaplaincy students.

Register here: https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/event/the-challenges-of-medical-aid-in-dying/.