In a newly-released video from the group Compassion & Choices, Brittany Maynard discussed the choice she made to end her own life due to her terminal cancer diagnosis.
The clip, published online on Wednesday, was released on what would have been Maynard’s 30th birthday.
Maynard, who ended her own life in Oregon on November 1st, narrated the video. She said the issue of “death with dignity” is “misunderstood,” calling it a “right.” The footage has never been released before.
RELATED: Brittany Maynard’s mom defends her daughter’s choice to die
“It’s not a fear-based choice,” she said. “It’s a logic-based choice.” Maynard continued, “If I can play even the smallest part in helping to reduce fear or misunderstanding, then it’s worth speaking up for.”
In a press release, Compassion & Choices says the video is meant to launch a new national initiative to engage lawmakers and everyday Americans and to help “fix the nation’s unjust end-of-life healthcare system.”
Nick Ramsey
Nick Ramsey is a senior producer with MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”