Newsom Recalls Mother's 2002 Assisted Death in Aid-in-Dying Interview

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared a deeply personal account of witnessing his mother's assisted death in 2002, describing the experience as profoundly traumatic yet ultimately reinforcing his support for legalizing medical aid in dying nationwide. The reflection came during an interview with The Washington Post published this week, where Newsom, now 58, recounted the events surrounding his mother Tessa's passing at age 55 from metastatic breast cancer.

In spring 2002, Newsom received a voicemail from Tessa informing him that she planned to end her life the following week and urging him to visit one last time. At 34, Newsom was an emerging figure in California politics, and he later expressed guilt over his demanding schedule, which had kept him from spending more time with her as she endured the disease's physical and mental toll. Despite his initial resentment, Newsom and his sister, Hilary, traveled to be by her side when the day arrived.

Newsom detailed the sequence of events in the interview. He and his sister administered painkillers to Tessa about 45 minutes before a doctor's arrival to ease her discomfort. The doctor confirmed Tessa's resolve, then administered the...