The Day I Die, the Untold Story of Assisted Dying in America —by Anita Hannig

 Nonfiction / Death and Dying / Doctor Assisted Dying 

Sourcebooks

2022

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728244919

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728244914

320 pages

Hardcover

$23.20

5 Stars

 

 

I was 19 years old in 1972 when I watched “An Inalienable Right to Die.” It was the ninth episode of the fourth season of The Bold Ones: The New Doctors tv series. I have been a proponent of the individual right to die since then. Not just the right to die, but if wanted, medical assistance. (I am assuming here that those who want to die have non psychiatric reasons for doing so—medical conditions and face a drawn-out, prolonged, frightful, painful end if left to nature. Or god.)

 

I have read, through the years, several books on death and dying, from Dr. Sherwin Nuland’s, How We Die: Reflections on Life’s Final Chapter to Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, and several in between. 

 

Death is something all persons born of woman will go through. If you are one who believes people should suffer as they die for atonement purposes, this may not be the book for you. But if you or a loved one are facing death, and you, or they, wish to be in control without making a bloody mess with a shotgun in the basement, then read this book.

 

Ms. Hannig is a trained anthropologist, and spent time living in Oregon, researched their right to die laws and spent a great deal of time in both Oregon and Washington interviewing people who wanted to, and were preparing to, Die with Dignity. She attended several deaths, with permission, and interviewed survivors. She has compassion and empathy for both sides of the story. Her writing is accessible, gentle, sensitive, and informative.

 

I believe the art of dying should be part of the required curriculum in Medical Schools. Doctors want to keep us alive at all costs, when in fact, many people would prefer a good death. Why be forced to stay alive in a drug induced state when one is not able to function? Why not be able to have friends and family around you for a last party, drink your cocktail, go to sleep while they sing you out? Or at least let you know they love you, hug you, and give permission. 

 

Buy two copies of this book. One for you, and one for your doctor! The more you know, the less frightening it will be. 

Reviews of related books I've read and reviewed:

Dying Well – Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life – Ira Byock, M.D.

 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End –by Atul Gawande