Woman's Suicide Raises Concerns Over Aid-in-Dying Drug Access

The death of Eileen Mihich highlights vulnerabilities in medical aid in dying laws and the need for stronger safeguards.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 1:31am

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The death of 31-year-old Eileen Mihich in Portland, Oregon, has raised concerns about the accessibility and oversight of medical aid in dying (MAID). Mihich, who struggled with mental health challenges, was able to obtain lethal medication through a compounding pharmacy and pose as a physician online to get a prescription, highlighting loopholes in the current system. As MAID laws expand to include conditions beyond terminal illness, Mihich's case serves as a warning about the potential for unintended consequences and the need for robust safeguards.

Why it matters

Mihich's case underscores the growing debate around MAID eligibility, with advocacy groups pushing for expanded criteria to include those with severe psychiatric conditions or who deem their quality of life unacceptable. This raises concerns about the potential for abuse and the difficulty of ensuring proper safeguards, especially as compounding pharmacies and online access make it easier to obtain the necessary medications.

The details

Mihich, who struggled with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and a history of trauma, was able to obtain the lethal medication through a Washington State compounding pharmacy, which are less regulated than traditional pharmacies. She also successfully posed as a physician online to get a prescription, highlighting the lack of robust verification systems. The cost of the drugs, over $2,500, did not appear to be a significant barrier for Mihich.

  • Mihich's death occurred in February 2026.

The players

Eileen Mihich

A 31-year-old woman in Portland, Oregon, who died by suicide using medical aid in dying drugs despite not having a terminal illness.

Washington State Compounding Pharmacy

The pharmacy that dispensed the lethal medication to Mihich, highlighting the lack of regulation around compounding pharmacies.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that medical aid in dying is used as intended, to provide relief for those facing terminal illness and unbearable suffering, not as a means for individuals with mental health challenges to end their lives.”

— Dr. Sarah Linden, Psychiatrist

What’s next

Lawmakers and healthcare professionals are expected to review Mihich's case and consider implementing stronger safeguards, such as mandatory psychological evaluations and increased oversight of compounding pharmacies, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

Mihich's story serves as a wake-up call about the potential risks of expanding medical aid in dying laws without proper safeguards. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying mental health issues and ensures that MAID is used only as a last resort for those facing terminal illness and unbearable suffering.