Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-13-2026

Callie Riley [Compassion & Choices]

Chair Harris and members of the Subcommittee, My name is Callie Riley, Regional Advocacy Director at Compassion & Choices. We are the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of endoflife care. We advocate for legislation to improve the quality of care for terminally ill patients and affirm their right to determine their own medical treatment options as they near the end of life. I am offering these comments in support of HF 2262, the Our Care, Our Options Act, to authorize medical aid in dying for terminally ill Iowans. We urge your support for this compassionate endoflife care option.My full written comments are included as a PDF. I am happy to answer any questions you might have via email or phone.

Attachment

02-14-2026

Jeanne Rogert

Please pass this bill. Families do not want to watch others in pain. Many cannot afford level of care needed. We are short of staff in hospitals/ facilities. Let us use our resources in the best possible way. Save the living who can live fully.

02-15-2026

Marilyn Kruse

As I age, I dread the thought of a possible painful, uncomfortable dying process. It would bring me great relief knowing that medical aid in dying would be available if I felt I needed it. My father was a veterinarian and I still recall how he lovingly put family pets to sleep when they were dying. It was the kindest thing anyone could do. Further, I find it morally reprehensible to allow anyone to suffer in pain.My hope is that our Iowa legislature will realize that each person deserves a death free of pain and suffering if that is what he or she chooses.. Consequently, I heartily support this bill. Thank you for listening.

02-15-2026

Kathleen Murtey

I have a good friend who never wanted to die. If she 'had' to she hoped to live to 150. She didn't want to talk about death. At the end of January she received a diagnoses pulmonary fibrosis. Her heart and lungs were ceasing to function. All she now wanted was Death with Dignity. Keep up your good work on Medical Aid in Dying. And, Thank YOU. PS My friend died on Feb 10, 2026

02-15-2026

Teresa Cooley

I am unable to attend the hearing due to health issues. Thank you for bringing this issue forward.I have had cancer for 7 years; the list of interventions and treatments is extensive.Cancer is difficult physically and emotionally. Takes a toll on so many aspects of life. Currently I am able to care for myself but do require assistance occasionally. I'm not afraid of dying but do fear the ability to care for myself and having to leave my home. The states that have passed laws have very strict requirements in screening patients and offer support during the process. I would like to die on my own terms: in my own bed, in comfortable clothes, celebrating with my family. For my children and grandkids, I do not want their final memories to be of suffering.Many other chronic conditions could benefit as well. A RN since 1978 I have witnessed many deaths. Death should be as beautiful as birth. My thanks for your consideration.

02-16-2026

Elizabeth Brooke [Scott County Action Team, Compassion and Choices]

My commitment to the idea of aid in dying began 50 years ago. More recently, I was a member of the Scott County Action Team for the passing of a medical aid in dying bill, and consequently became well schooled in the complexities of dying. Three years ago my sister died a very painful and messy death from metastatic breast cancer. From my involvement in our local Action Team, she was well aware of the option that could have been available to her. I knew she was going to die. I didn't think she was going to suffer. Her passing was far from peaceful.Please help make Iowa the 14th state to provide this option for those who request it. It is the compassionate thing to do. Do it for my sister.

02-16-2026

Denise Chevalier

I sincerely and fully embrace the adoption of bill HF 2262, allowing mentally capable terminally ill adults to have the endoflife care option of medical aid in dying to peacefully end unbearable suffering.I am 74 years old. I have two autoimmune diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogrens Syndrome. I feel extremely fortunate that, through medicallymanaged drug intervention and a selfmanaged wellness program, I dont currently suffer from the extremely debilitating pain and mental anguish others with one or both of these maladies experience. However, I do live with an understanding of my bodys vulnerability. I believe that personal bodily autonomy with agency is an inalienable right. If the time comes where my body is nearing its final stages, where pain consumes each heartbeat, each breath, each thought, I hope that should I have expressed my desire for a medically aided death, that it can be lawfully honored.

02-16-2026

Bruce Bufe [NONE]

I very much support legislation supporting death with dignity. We have the freedom throughout our lives to make our own decisions. And, yet, when it comes to perhaps the most important decision in our life do we wish to continue living we are denied that choice. I fully respect those who do not support this choice based on their religious beliefs. However, they do not have the right to make such a decision for me. Their beliefs are not my beliefs. And I also understand the concern and fear that such legislation could determine what care medical providers would be willing to provide. Oregon, however, has had this legislation for many years and has not found this to be a concern. For those experiencing a prolonged and painful death, this legislation could ease their fears and make their passing more tolerable. I am 84 and in good health. This legislation would give me peace of mind knowing that I can make my own decision on when it is time to die.

02-16-2026

Paula Toms

YES to Thank you for considering HF 2262. Medical aid in dying should be an option available. I want to be able to end my life when I have a terminally ill diagnosis. I would hope this Bill wont be so cumbersome that it is not possible to be of any value to those who want medicalaidindying.Write a good Bill and pass it.