Alaskan Advocates for Medical Aid in Dying Options
A terminally ill resident is pushing for legal access to care that is currently available in 14 other U.S. states.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Cancer
Kim Clune, a 56-year-old Haines resident living with terminal cancer, is advocating for the legalization of medical aid in dying in Alaska. Clune is currently exploring the possibility of traveling to New York, where the practice is authorized, as she navigates a stage 4 diagnosis.
Why it matters
Medical aid in dying is not currently legal in Alaska, forcing residents facing terminal illness to consider traveling long distances to access options available elsewhere. This highlights an ongoing policy debate in the state regarding end-of-life care and patient autonomy.
A 2025 public opinion poll indicates that 75% of Alaskans support the right to medical aid in dying. Whether this public sentiment will result in legislative changes remains unknown.
The players
Kim Clune
A 56-year-old resident of Haines, Alaska, who is currently managing a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis.
The details
Medical aid in dying involves a patient self-administering a prescribed lethal medication to hasten death when facing a terminal condition. Clune, who received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis in March 2025 after an initial 2019 detection, is seeking to manage potential complications as the disease affects her lungs, spine, and other organs. She is weighing the logistics of traveling to New York to access the procedure, which is authorized in 14 U.S. jurisdictions.
Timeline
March 2019: Kim Clune was initially diagnosed with breast cancer.
March 2025: Clune learned her cancer had reached stage 4.
2025: A public poll on medical aid in dying was conducted.
Health Landscape
Medical aid in dying is currently authorized in 14 U.S. jurisdictions, establishing a patchwork of access for patients nationwide. Alaska remains outside of this framework, complicating end-of-life planning for terminal patients in the state.
Patients facing terminal illness often have complex questions about palliative care and legal options available in their home state. These concerns regarding symptom management and end-of-life preferences are important topics to discuss with your primary physician or a palliative care specialist.
The takeaway
Advocacy for expanded end-of-life options underscores the necessity of clear communication between patients and their care teams regarding treatment goals. If you have concerns about future pain management or end-of-life care, schedule a dedicated conversation with your oncologist or palliative care provider.
Further reading
For more on managing a terminal diagnosis, visit Cancer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by People.
