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We will discuss MAID: Medical Aid in Dying; focusing primarily on Maine’s Death with Dignity Act. This is the process by which competent and terminally ill state residents who are within 6 (six) months of death may legally obtain oral prescription medication for which they may voluntarily take without assistance to peacefully end their life.

We will also discuss VSED: Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking, which is a legal option for any mentally capable, determined, well-informed person as a means advance the time of their death. VSED requires significant caregiving and support, which we will discuss further.

Short Film: Dying Wish: A Dying Doctor’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking and Die with Grace. Retired surgeon, Michael Miller is dying of end-stage cancer and is determined to avoid the hospital at all costs. He’s researched the dying process and believes that stopping eating and drinking will ease his suffering and result in a peaceful, more natural death. During his fast, Michael suffers neither thirst nor hunger. Buoyed by the legacy of this film, he enjoys a last meal, surrounds himself with art and music, and takes leave of his family. Medical ethicists speak about patients’ rights, and hospice staff share their own, similar experiences of others who have mase this choice. (29 minutes)

*Individually wrapped, homemade skull cakelets will be provided.