A new documentary series looks at medical aid in dying through the eyes of terminally ill people advocating for a peaceful passing on their own terms.
The show “Take Me Out Feet First” just debuted on Amazon Prime.
In the first episode, director Serene Meshel-Dillman follows her mother’s journey – and then her father’s, five years later – as they chose to pass away at home, surrounded by friends and family.
“My father said, ‘If people of sound mind want to take this route out of life, they should have the right,'” said Meshel-Dillman. “‘Anytime somebody avoids pain and suffering, how can you argue with that? If this is a legal vehicle to do that, why would you want to take it away?'”
Both parents were native New Yorkers. Medical aid in dying is legal in ten states and Washington DC, but not yet in New York.
Some 88 New York state legislators are co-sponsoring measures to allow terminally ill patients access to medical aid in dying.
Advocates are hoping for a vote before the legislative session ends in a few weeks.
The series was produced in partnership with the nonprofit Compassion & Choices. President and CEO Kim Callinan said the families featured in the show approached end-of-life care with dignity and grace.
“It really balances the heaviness of this topic with moments of genuine warmth and inspiration that demonstrates that this law is really about bringing humanity to the end of life,” said Callinan. “And that’s why so many people desperately want this option in their state.”
Other episodes follow other patients, including a man who started a podcast to document his battle with a terminal illness.
Advocates are working to pass medical aid-in-dying laws in all states. Polls show 72 percent of New Yorkers support this legalization.
New York News Connection