In Vermont, a former hospice chaplain named Suzanne has opened her retreat center to artists, healthcare workers, and educators, but now also provides a safe haven for terminally ill patients seeking medically assisted dying. Since mid-2023, the state’s law has allowed individuals with less than six months to live to travel there to end their lives.
The movement aims to provide comfort, privacy, and accessibility for those facing the end of life. Accommodations range from private residences to apartments, often listed through Airbnb or Vrbo. However, Suzanne’s center stands out as specially designed for patients and loved ones.
Suzanne works on an offering system, where donations fund future patients’ stays. As of June 2023, at least 26 people had traveled to the state to die, with over 25% of reported assisted deaths in Vermont since May 2023 attributed to this program.
To qualify, patients must meet strict eligibility criteria set by a doctor and second consulting doctor. The process is designed to ensure comfort and dignity for those ending their lives. A shortage of physicians in the state can make it difficult even for in-state residents to access care, but Suzanne’s center has helped facilitate connections with out-of-state doctors.
For terminally ill patients, finding a peaceful place to end their lives is crucial. Suzanne’s center provides not only a safe haven but also emotional support and companionship during this challenging time. As one patient stated, having the option to die in a private setting was “exactly what he wanted — other than being in his own home.”
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/02/16/assisted-dying-travel-vermont-oregon