Diane Rehm27 February 2021

Do We Have The Right To Die If We're Terminally Ill? - Diane Rehm - #288

0Frameworks

11Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster16:30

Why Some Groups Oppose Medical Aid in Dying

Diane Rehm identifies major sources of opposition to medical aid in dying, including religious institutions, some doctors, and marginalized communities with historical trauma.

The Roman Catholic Church opposes it, believing life is sacred and only God should decide its end.
Some physicians resist, believing their role is to preserve life at all costs.
The disabled community is split—some fear coercion, others feel excluded by self-administration rules.
The African American community distrusts the medical system due to historical abuses like the Tuskegee syphilis experiment.

“The African American community is so mistrustful of the medical community because of incidents like where African Americans were deliberately infected with syphilis.”
Diane Rehm · 19:00

#opposition#ethics#medical-trust

Explainer· 2

Explainer05:30

How Medical Aid in Dying Works in the U.S.

Diane Rehm outlines the legal and medical process for medical aid in dying in the nine U.S. states and D.C. where it's permitted, emphasizing patient autonomy and safeguards.

Available in nine states and D.C., the patient must be within six months of death.
Two doctors must confirm eligibility, and sometimes a psychiatric evaluation is required to rule out coercion.
The patient must self-administer the medication; physicians cannot legally administer it.
The goal is to allow a peaceful, planned death at home, surrounded by loved ones.

“Individuals are given the medication which they must self-administer... and that is what I intend to do when my time comes.”
Diane Rehm · 07:00

#medical-aid-in-dying#law#end-of-life-planning

Explainer11:00

The Difference Between Euthanasia and Assisted Dying

Diane Rehm clarifies the key distinction between euthanasia and medical aid in dying, based on who administers the life-ending medication.

In euthanasia, the physician actively administers the medication to end life.
In medical aid in dying, the patient must self-administer the medication.
Euthanasia is legal in countries like the Netherlands and Belgium; it is illegal in the U.S.
The U.S. model emphasizes patient autonomy and avoids physician-led killing.

“The difference between euthanasia and assisted dying is whether it's committed by the patient or by the physician. Precisely.”
Diane Rehm · 11:30

#euthanasia#assisted-dying#ethics

Story· 4

Story01:00

Why Diane Rehm Wrote About the Right to Die

Diane Rehm explains her personal motivation for writing a book and making a documentary about medical aid in dying, rooted in her family’s painful experiences with terminal illness and uncontrolled suffering.

Her mother died in severe pain from liver cancer at 49, feeling ignored and unable to die with dignity.
Her father-in-law, blind from diabetic retinopathy, died by suicide at 72; her mother-in-law did the same at 92 due to unbearable pain.
These experiences shaped her lifelong belief in the right to choose when and how one dies.
She wanted to normalize conversations about end-of-life choices to prevent unnecessary suffering.

“My mother died at 49... she had liver cancer she was in terrible pain and begged to die and nobody listened.”
Diane Rehm · 01:00

“The idea of making a decision about your own life and when it should end has really been in my mind for a very long…”
Diane Rehm · 02:30

#end-of-life#personal-motivation#family-history

Story07:30

How Brittany Maynard Moved to Oregon to Die on Her Terms

Diane Rehm recounts the story of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old woman with a terminal brain tumor who moved from California to Oregon to access medical aid in dying.

Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and given six months to live.
California did not allow medical aid in dying at the time, so she moved to Oregon to establish residency.
She died peacefully on a date she chose, surrounded by family, after experiencing severe seizures.
Her story highlights the financial and logistical barriers many face in accessing end-of-life choice.

“She and her husband had to pull up stakes, moved to Oregon, establish residence, find doctors who were willing to help her.”
Diane Rehm · 08:30

#brittany-maynard#end-of-life-choice#personal-story

Story21:00

How Diane's Husband Died Without Legal Aid in Dying

Diane Rehm shares the painful story of her husband John’s death, in which he chose to stop eating and drinking due to lack of legal medical aid in dying in Maryland.

John Rehm suffered from advanced Parkinson’s disease and lost all independence.
He chose to stop eating, drinking, and taking medication, a process that took 10 days.
Maryland did not (and still does not) allow medical aid in dying, leaving no legal alternative.
Diane felt powerless to help him die peacefully, despite their prior agreement.

“It took him 10 long days to die without water, without food, without medication. It's not an easy way to go.”
Diane Rehm · 22:30

#personal-story#end-of-life-suffering#parkinsons

Story24:00

Woman Woke Up Furious After Being Resuscitated Against Wishes

Diane Rehm tells of a woman with clear DNR wishes who was resuscitated anyway after a neighbor called 911, highlighting flaws in end-of-life planning.

The woman had clear 'Do Not Resuscitate' documents in her apartment.
A neighbor found her unconscious and called 911, triggering a legal obligation to resuscitate.
She woke up furious, having wanted to die peacefully.
This shows the need for broader awareness beyond legal documents.

“She was furious when she woke up and she was still alive.”
Diane Rehm · 24:30

#dnr#end-of-life-failure#emergency-response

Tool· 2

Tool25:30

Death Cafes Help Normalize End-of-Life Conversations

Diane Rehm highlights the growing movement of 'death cafes' where people gather to discuss death openly and plan for their final days.

Death cafes are informal gatherings for discussing end-of-life wishes.
They help people clarify their values and communicate them to loved ones.
Knowing neighbors’ wishes can prevent unwanted resuscitation or interventions.
These groups reduce fear and normalize talking about death.

“Around the United States we now have the development of what are called death cafes where people come together... to talk about what they want…”
Diane Rehm · 25:30

#death-cafes#community#conversation-tool

Tool46:00

Organizations for End-of-Life Planning and Advocacy

Diane Rehm recommends key organizations that provide information and support for end-of-life decision-making and aid in dying.

Compassion & Choices offers resources on legal options and how to start conversations.
Death with Dignity is a national advocacy group with state-specific guidance.
Her documentary and book also serve as educational tools on the topic.
These resources help people plan and advocate for their end-of-life wishes.

“There is also an organization here in the United States called Compassion and Choices which provides information on even how to have the conversation.”
Diane Rehm · 46:00

#resources#advocacy#planning

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway29:00

One-Third of Patients With Aid-in-Dying Medication Don’t Use It

Diane Rehm reveals that many people who obtain life-ending medication under aid-in-dying laws never use it—yet still find comfort in having the option.

One-third of people who receive the medication choose not to use it.
The mere availability provides psychological comfort and a sense of control.
Patients value knowing they can end suffering on their terms if needed.
It underscores that the goal is not to die sooner, but to die peacefully.

“One third of the people who received the medication to use for medical aid in dying don't use it... I feel comfort, I feel at…”
Diane Rehm · 29:30

#peace-of-mind#control#mental-health

Takeaway33:30

Start End-of-Life Conversations While Everyone Is Healthy

Diane Rehm urges people to begin talking about end-of-life wishes long before illness strikes, to avoid crisis decisions and ensure dignity.

Waiting until a health crisis is too late to have meaningful discussions.
Conversations can start casually—e.g., a parent saying they’ve been thinking about their end-of-life wishes.
Multiple talks are often needed, as initial reactions may be resistant or emotional.
Talking early helps families prepare and reduces suffering later.

“It's not one discussion, it's many discussions... after you leave the house, they'll be thinking about what you've said.”
Diane Rehm · 36:30

#conversation#planning#family-discussion