The right to die with dignity becomes an incredibly important discussion when terminal illnesses make the end-of-life experience torturous. For individuals facing incurable diseases, the ability to choose a peaceful death rather than enduring prolonged suffering can offer comfort and control over their final moments. Legalizing the right to die acknowledges this fundamental choice, allowing individuals to die on their own terms, surrounded by loved ones.
Sandra Demontigny, a 45-year-old mother of three, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, the same disease that devastated her father. Determined to avoid the same fate, she became a leading advocate for Quebec’s right-to-die laws, helping make it possible for those with incurable illnesses to request assisted death in advance. While she has set criteria for when she would choose assistance, such as no longer recognizing her children, she struggles with the emotional weight of that decision. She knows what she wants for the future but continues to find joy in the present.
Her story shows how complicated the right-to-die issue is, especially for people with degenerative diseases. In the U.S., assisted dying laws require individuals to be within six months of death and mentally capable of making the decision at the time of their request, but Quebec’s law allows advance requests, giving people more control before they lose the ability to choose.
To qualify for medical aid in dying in most U.S. states, an individual must:
- 18-years of age or older
- Be terminally ill
- Have six months or less to live
- Be mentally capable of making and communicating healthcare decisions
- Be able to take the medication themselves
- Have two doctors confirm the diagnosis
- Make multiple verbal and written requests, with waiting periods in between
For many facing the final stages of terminal illnesses, the ability to make this choice provides peace of mind. It is not about giving up on life, it is about avoiding unnecessary suffering and ensuring a dignified, peaceful death. The right to die with dignity remains a deeply personal decision, and as more states consider legislation on this issue, the conversation continues to evolve.
As a caregiver, you will many times care for those who are experiencing the death of loved ones and confronting the reality of their own death. Acknowledging death is an essential and natural part of the human experience. Death doula Alua Arthur reminds us that instead of fearing death, we can use it as a reason to live fully: “We can spend our lives fretting about our deaths, or we can use our brief time to sink deeper into the experience of being human, for all it entails.” When we accept that life is short, we can focus on what truly matters, which is spending time with loved ones, being kind, and appreciating each moment.
Though life may seem insignificant in the vast universe, Arthur reminds us that simply being alive is a miracle. When we understand that our time is limited, we can make choices that feel right for us, without worrying about what others think. As a caregiver, embracing this idea can help you bring comfort, peace, and connection to those in your care.
