The Good Death Society Blog

Jan 09

2

Avoid becoming a victim of the U.S. end-of-life care system: Choose wisely

By David Wilcox | Advance Directives, Choice, Dementia, Disability, DNR, Dying, End-of-life care, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying, Mental Illness, Proxy, Right-to-Die Laws, Suffering and Death, Suicide, Surrogate | 8 Comments

American healthcare is supposed to help. At end of life, too often it victimizes us.

Jan 02

4

Why having an option makes all the difference – It brought peace of mind to my friend at the end.

By Craig Phillips | Assisted Suicide, Choice, Dying, End-of-life care, Final Exit Network, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying, Religion, Right-to-Die Laws, Spirituality, Suffering and Death, The Right to Die | 5 Comments

An end-game plan brings peace and security – even if it’s never used.

Dec 26

1

Why can’t death be fun? There is nothing silly about the answer, according to ‘Patch’ Adams.

By Hunter (Patch) Adams | Choice, Disability, Dying, End-of-life care, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying, Palliative Care, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 2 Comments

“Let’s stop fearing death and transform it into an experience that could bring us closer together as a family,” writes the real “Patch” Adams. “Let’s have a fun death.”

Dec 19

6

An iconic physician advocate, made famous by Hollywood, reflects upon ‘Fun Death’

By Hunter (Patch) Adams | Choice, Disability, Dying, End-of-life care, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying, Palliative Care, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 12 Comments

“Must we buy into the Grim Reaper routine? Are we not free to choose how we look at death?” Read what the real Patch Adams believes.

Dec 05

0

Does MAiD target disabled people? Dr. B.J. Miller reflects on the challenges.

By BJ Miller | Choice, Disability, Discrimination, Dying, End-of-life care, Final Exit Network, Hospice, Medical Aid in Dying, Not Dead Yet, Palliative Care, Right-to-Die Laws, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 2 Comments

In the second of a two-part blog, a renowned EOL healthcare reformer (a triple amputee) talks to Final Exit Network about the thorny nexus between Medical Aid in Dying and the profound challenges faced by disabled people.

Nov 21

2

What I Did for Love

By Jim Van Buskirk and Jim Mitulski | AIDS, Assisted Suicide, Choice, Death With Dignity Act, Derek Humphry, Disability, DNR, Dying, End-of-life care, Final Exit Network, Grief, Medical Aid in Dying, Religion, Right-to-Die Laws, Spirituality, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 6 Comments

A cache of old videos recalls the height of the AIDS crisis and its critical, emotional nexus with the developing right-to-die movement.

Nov 14

2

Six Before 80? My Cat May Know

By Sandra Shaw Homer | Choice, Dementia, Dying, End-of-life care, Medical Aid in Dying, Religion, Spirituality, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 13 Comments

You do everything you can, take every possible step to delay the inevitable. At what point do you say, “Enough. I’m done.” And welcome freedom.

Nov 07

0

When It Comes to End-of-Life, Some Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

By Kevyn Burger | Advance Directives, Choice, Dementia, Dying, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Medical Aid in Dying, Mental Illness, Religion, Right-to-Die Laws, Spirituality, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die, VSED | 4 Comments

With or without Medical Aid in Dying, VSED offers a legal option; a new book explains all the ins and outs from every angle.

Oct 31

0

Is There an “Epidemic” of Suicide Among the Elderly?

By Ruth Dixon-Mueller | Choice, Dementia, Disability, Dying, End-of-life care, Final Exit Network, Medical Aid in Dying, Mental Illness, Right-to-Die Laws, Suffering and Death, Suicide, The Right to Die | 11 Comments

If we believe much of what we read, suicide by U.S. seniors is running rampant. Don’t believe it. Some of those “suicidal” folks are making rational decisions to retire from a life well lived that is no longer worth extending.

Oct 24

8