Barbara Coombs Lee
Barbara Coombs Lee
Barbara Coombs Lee (pronunciation: /ˈbɑːrbərə kuːmz liː/) is an American nurse, physician assistant, and attorney who is best known for her advocacy in the field of end-of-life care and death with dignity laws.
Etymology
The name 'Barbara' is of Greek origin, meaning 'foreign woman', while 'Coombs' is an English surname, often associated with a location in the United Kingdom. The surname 'Lee' is of English origin, meaning 'meadow' or 'forest clearing'.
Career
Barbara Coombs Lee began her career in the medical field as a nurse and physician assistant, working in various healthcare settings for over 25 years. She later transitioned into law, becoming an attorney and healthcare executive.
In 1994, she co-authored the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, the first law in the United States to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose.
She served as President of the Compassion & Choices organization from 2005 to 2019, advocating for laws that allow individuals to have a voice in their end-of-life decisions.
Related Terms
- End-of-life care: A branch of healthcare that focuses on relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for people who are facing the problems associated with life-threatening illness.
- Death with dignity: A term often used to describe laws that allow adults with a terminal illness to voluntarily request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their death.
- Oregon Death with Dignity Act: A law enacted in 1997 that allows terminally ill Oregonians to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose.
- Compassion & Choices: A non-profit organization in the United States that advocates for choice and care at the end of life, including the legalization of medical aid in dying.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Barbara Coombs Lee
- Wikipedia's article - Barbara Coombs Lee
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