Scripting Death: Stories of Assisted Dying in America

The legalization of assisted dying is changing our lives, but sociological studies have shown that the realities often fall short of advocacy visions. Scripting Death chronicles two years of ethnographic research documenting the implementation of Vermont's 2013 Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act, illustrating how medical aid-in-dying works, what motivates people to pursue it, and why upholding the "right to die" is different from ensuring access to this life-ending procedure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

Over the past five years, medical aid-in-dying (also known as assisted suicide) has expanded rapidly in the United States, becoming legally available to one in five Americans. This growing social and political movement heralds the possibility of a new era of choice in dying. However, there is limited public knowledge about how medical aid-in-dying laws affect ordinary citizens once they are implemented. Sociological studies of new health policies have consistently shown that the realities often fall short of advocacy visions, raising questions about the extent of choice and control that aid-in-dying actually affords.

Scripting Death: Chronicles Two Years of Ethnographic Research Documenting the Implementation of Vermont's 2013 Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act is a groundbreaking book that delves into the intricacies of medical aid-in-dying. Author Mara Buchbinder weaves together stories collected from patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, activists, and legislators to illustrate how they navigate this new medical frontier in the aftermath of legalization.

The book explains how medical aid-in-dying works, what motivates people to pursue it, and ultimately, why upholding the "right to die" is distinct from ensuring access to this life-ending procedure. Through an unprecedented, in-depth account, Scripting Death serves as an entry point into ongoing cultural conversations about the changing landscape of death and dying in the United States.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of medical aid-in-dying on patients and their families. Buchbinder highlights the emotional and psychological toll that terminal illness can take on individuals, and how medical aid-in-dying can provide relief and dignity at the end of life. She also explores the complex dynamics that arise between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers as they navigate the aid-in-dying process, including the ethical considerations and challenges that arise.

Another important aspect of the book is the broader societal implications of medical aid-in-dying. Buchbinder argues that the legalization of assisted dying has the potential to transform the way we think about death and dying. She explores how the availability of this option can impact public policy, healthcare practices, and the broader cultural conversation about end-of-life care.

Scripting Death is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about medical aid-in-dying. It provides a nuanced and empathetic account of the experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers as they navigate this new medical frontier. The book raises important questions about choice, control, and the ethical implications of assisted dying, and it serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations about end-of-life care.

In conclusion, Scripting Death is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of medical aid-in-dying. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced account of the experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers as they navigate this new medical frontier. The book raises important questions about choice, control, and the ethical implications of assisted dying, and it serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations about end-of-life care.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520380202