Barbara Coombs Lee | TEDxMarin
In October 2014, 29 year old Brittany Maynard told the world she planned to die gently before brain cancer completely destroyed her body and mind. Her messages energized a larger movement to transform how Americans approach dying. Barbara Coombs Lee is keeping her promise to Brittany to keep fighting for end-of-life choices. This is her story.
American Activist and President of Compassion & Choices
Barbara practiced as a nurse and physician assistant for 25 years before beginning a career in law and health policy. Since then she has devoted her professional life to individual choice and empowerment in health care. Barbara’s professional experience includes work as a private attorney, counsel to the Oregon State Senate, a managed care executive, and President of Compassion In Dying from 1996-2004. Barbara was Chief Petitioner for the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. She is a champion for enabling individuals with the freedom to consider a complete range of choices and be full participants in their health care decisions. As President of Compassion & Choices, Barbara oversees advocacy, development, legislative and client support.