April's Top Living with Dying Articles

Welcome to the second issue of our monthly newsletter to keep you up-to-date on the latest news in the Death with Dignity movement and other end-of-life care issues. April was a busy month for our blog, Living with Dying. With the many legislative sessions wrapping up, an influx of questions about Death with Dignity laws, National Healthcare Decisions Day, and the Final Exit Network trial in Arizona we had a lot to write about. Check out these stories and more below and in our Living with Dying archive.

Sincerely,
Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

Death with Dignity Isn't Suicide
by Melissa Barber, Electronic Communications Specialist
I came across an eloquent blog on Psychology Today recently written by Ethan Remmel, PhD who's been diagnosed with incurable colon cancer. A developmental psychologist and associate professor of psychology, he's able to approach preparing for his death from an analytical yet personal angle. I heartily recommend anyone who's interested in end-of-life issues follows his blog.

He decided to request medication to hasten his death under Washington's Death with Dignity Act, and not surprisingly, after openly and honestly writing about his decision to make a request under the law he received reactions from people which appear to have equated his decision to suicide.

READ MORE >

An Advance Directive Alone
Isn't Enough
by guest blogger Lauren Jodi Van Scoy, MD
In my young career, I've found myself taking on a role similar to a tour guide, helping my patients' families as they navigate the murky waters of the intensive care unit and difficult end-of-life decisions. The further I advance in my career, I've found when guiding families through this process, advance directives may paradoxically muddy the water if the black and white situation fails to present itself and shades of grey are revealed.

So, how can we protect our wishes and ensure our loved ones are armed with the appropriate tools needed if faced with an emergency?

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Just What Are Death with Dignity Laws Anyway?
by Melissa Barber, Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity laws aren't fully understood by many people. An unfortunate side-effect of this lack of knowledge is how easily people who oppose Death with Dignity laws are able to confuse and mislead others about expanded end-of-life options like Death with Dignity.

Several times a day, I answer questions from students, terminally-ill individuals, and many others about the specifics of Death with Dignity laws. In this article you'll find answers to some of the more common questions.

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An Insider’s Look at Legislation
by Peg Sandeen, MSW, Executive Director
Legislators from around the country grappled with Death with Dignity and other issues related to end-of-life care during the 2011 legislative sessions.

In Vermont, a coalition made up of local families, activists, advocates, and lobbyists has made tremendous progress toward enacting a Death with Dignity law. House Bill 274 was introduced with 44 sponsors and Senate Bill 103 followed with 11 sponsors—representing more than a third of the Senate. Both have the support of the governor, who called on the legislative leaders to bring the bill to his desk for signature.

READ MORE >

In This Issue:

• Death with Dignity Isn't Suicide
• Advance Directive Alone Not Enough
• What Are Death with Dignity Laws?
• An Insider’s Look at Legislation

Thank you, Donors!
Thank you to all of our generous donors for helping us start our new fiscal year ready to face every challenge! Unlike many nonprofits, the Death with Dignity National Center is entirely funded through individual donations and private foundations. From all of us at the Death with Dignity National Center, thank you.

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Vermont Physicians
According to the 2011 Vermont Physician Legislative Survey results, nearly 90% of Vermont physicians believe the proposed law is safe and protects patients and physicians.

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HBO Premier of Film
Peter Richardson's groundbreaking documentary about the Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts, How to Die in Oregon, will premier on HBO on May 26th, and it's sweeping up awards at almost every film festival where it's screened.

SEE A PREVIEW >

National Healthcare Decisions Day
Most of us have clear opinions about our end-of-life care, yet only 20-30% of Americans have completed an advance directive. To call attention to these discrepancies and work towards changing how we plan for our deaths, April 16th, celebrated the fourth annual National Healthcare Decisions Day.

READ MORE >

FEN Verdict Mixed
In Phoenix, Arizona, a jury returned a mixed verdict against Dr. Larry Egbert and Frank Langsner of the Final Exit Network. Egbert was found not guilty, and the jury couldn't reach a consensus in the case against Langsner. Langsner could be retried at a later date.

READ MORE >

Forward to a Friend
Well crafted Death with Dignity laws work the way they're intended. You and I know that, but do your friends?

The best way for us to ensure Death with Dignity is an option for all Americans is to tell to more people our story. Will you help us connect with your friends?

SHARE US WITH FRIENDS >

We'd love to hear from you:
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info@deathwithdignity.org

Photos: Dr. Ethan Remmel care of Psychology Today and Question by dkscully on Flickr
Contact the editor at mbarber@deathwithdignity.org