I am proud of my local community groups!

In a time when so much public conversation can feel reactive or polarized, this petition has drawn some of the most thoughtful and respectful engagement I’ve seen. A surprisingly large number of members — including a hospice nurse, adult children, and others in the community — are asking deep ethical and legal questions about Alzheimer’s and autonomy. The discussion has remained serious, civil, and grounded in care.

One hospice nurse asked, “Who would administer the medication — and how would safeguards work?”

An adult child shared how hard it is when a parent’s personality changes and asked, “When do you say when?”

Others have raised thoughtful questions about consent: “Would this be outlined in an advance directive before someone is too far gone?”

These are not easy questions — and they shouldn’t be.

Washington has long led the nation with compassion and care in end-of-life law. If we are to thoughtfully address what I call the “Alzheimer’s gap,” it will be through voices willing to wrestle seriously with complexity.

If you would like to help Washington continue leading in compassionate, carefully crafted end-of-life policy, I invite you to share this petition and keep the conversation going.

Thank you,

Barbara