Advocates for 'right to die' fight to change Texas law

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There is no "right to die" law in Texas. However, a group of advocates have actively worked for years to change the law. It is, to say the least, a challenge.

Among those searching for change is Cindy Merrill, a former Harris County Assistant District Attorney who never planned on being Death with Dignity activist. That all changed in the 1990s, when Merrill cared for her father, who was suffering from Parkinson's. He wanted to die on his own terms, but Texas did not give him a legal option.

"I think they want to be able to have the right to take the lethal pharmaceutical, where they at least can make that choice if they get to the point they're dying in agony" says Merrill.

Currently, the only legal option for terminally ill patients in Texas is to live out their life, often with the help of hospice care. Founded in 1980, Houston Hospice is focused on making the lives of terminally ill patients as comfortable as possible.

"We don't have curative treatments, we do pain management and symptoms, so the quality of life is much better," says Cynthia Nordt, Vice President of Development for Houston Hospice.

Nordt says 90 percent of their patients are cared for in their homes with the help of hospice. On their property, the agency just expanded their facilities to help even more people. But one thing Houston Hospice cannot do is get involved in the assisted dying debate.

"As a hospice provider, it's not something we endorse or advocate," says Nordt.

Cynthia Merrill hopes someday, Texans will have another option.

"Yes, we will get there, because Texans believe in self determination for their medical care."

In the meantime, she will continue to advocate change in the state legislature level, in honor of her late father.