Why is This Newlywed Choosing to Die? ...

By Vanessa • Oct 15, 2014 MD

The story of Brittany Maynard has recently gone viral. She's a 29-year-old newlywed who will be ending her own life in just under a month. Why? Well, Brittany was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer. Doctors told her that her death would come slowly and painfully as the tumors grew, and so she's choosing to end her own life before her illness takes it away from her. She recently made the move to Oregon from California so she could have access to Oregon's Death with Dignity Act (public.health.oregon.gov).

"There is not a cell in my body that is suicidal or that wants to die," Brittany told People. "I want to live. I wish there was a cure for my disease but there's not. My glioblastoma is going to kill me, and that's out of my control. I've discussed with many experts how I would die from it, and it's a terrible, terrible way to die. Being able to choose to go with dignity is less terrifying."

There are currently only five states (Oregon, Montana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington) with death-with-dignity laws, allowing terminally ill patients to take medication that will end their lives painlessly. For her remaining weeks, Brittany is advocating for access to death with dignity rights worldwide. She will pass on November 1st, just two days after she celebrates her husband's birthday.

Watch this heart-wrenching video:

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  • Jaqueline

    2014-10-16T20:13:24.817Z

    @SugarPoww55 I don't have a Facebook so this was the first time I've read this article. I personally like the variety of this app. If you don't like it then don't bother reading it.
  • SugarPoww55

    2014-10-16T12:27:57.305Z

    As touching as this is, we've all seen it on facebook already and STOP POSTING THIS NEWS ARTICLES again!!!! This isn't the purpose of this app!
  • SSWendy

    2014-10-16T13:25:47.756Z

    This makes me so sad. I wish there was another way. 😥💔
  • Veg

    2014-10-17T18:27:05.397Z

    This is so sad. I know that life is hard for her, but I don't believe in suicide. I hope there's a miracle!
  • Keyanna

    2014-10-16T11:28:29.312Z

    God bless her..
  • BadWitch

    2014-10-18T01:38:06.445Z

    She is so brave and I agree with her decision. At least she can go out on her terms. How many of us can say or do that??
  • Splashhhh

    2014-10-16T00:05:56.591Z

    Omg I hope she feels better as her mom said , the whole story and video is heart breaking it made me cry , she is brave!
  • Xjules

    2014-10-16T01:11:17.935Z

    This is heartbreaking and goes to show that you should live your life to the fullest because you don't know how long you have
  • Sherri

    2014-10-16T05:37:31.125Z

    Wow that is truly touching and heartbreaking and brave. At 29 too, heaven gained an angel. And I agree with her that death with dignity should be a worldwide right. Not just for adults but for children as well. It's not a topic that I really want to get into but I do see where she's coming from
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