Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely-Available Option for Hastening Death

In developed countries, people are living longer but often experience prolonged illness and face difficult decisions about end-of-life care. Voluntary stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is a legal option that allows individuals to hasten their death peacefully and with dignity. This book provides a comprehensive assessment of VSED, including real cases, practical analysis, and recommendations for end-of-life planning. It is useful for patients, clinicians, ethicists, lawyers, and institutional administrators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the 21st century, people in developed countries are living longer, but often this does not happen. While people are living healthier for a little longer, they tend to live sick for a lot longer. At the end of their illness before dying, they and their families are often faced with difficult decisions about whether to continue life-prolonging medical treatments or find meaningful and straightforward ways to die more easily and quickly. In this context, some people are looking for more and better options to hasten their death. They may be experiencing unacceptable suffering in the present or may fear it in the near future. However, they do not know the full range of options legally available to them.

Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), while relatively unknown and poorly understood, is a widely available option for hastening death. VSED is legally permitted in places where medical assistance in dying (MAID) is not. Unlike U.S. jurisdictions where MAID is legally permitted, VSED is not limited to terminal illness or to those with current decision-making capacity. VSED is a compassionate option that respects patient choice. Despite its strongly misleading image of starvation, death by VSED is typically peaceful and meaningful when accompanied by adequate clinician and/or caregiver support. Moreover, the practice is not limited to avoiding unbearable suffering, but may also be used by those who are determined to avoid living with unacceptable deterioration such as severe dementia.

However, VSED is not for everyone. This volume provides a realistic, appropriately critical, yet supportive assessment of the practice. Eight illustrative, previously unpublished real cases are included to demonstrate the practical application of VSED. These cases highlight the diverse experiences of individuals who have chosen this option, including those facing terminal illness, those with chronic and debilitating conditions, and those who are simply unable to tolerate ongoing suffering.

The authors of this volume approach VSED from various perspectives, including medical, legal, ethical, and psychological. They provide a comprehensive overview of the practice, including its history, legal status, and ethical considerations. They also discuss the potential benefits and risks of VSED, as well as the support that can be provided to individuals and their families during this process.

One of the key themes of this volume is the importance of patient choice in end-of-life care. The authors argue that VSED should be considered a legitimate option for individuals who wish to hasten their death, provided that they are fully informed about the risks and benefits of the practice. They also emphasize the need for adequate clinician and/or caregiver support to ensure that individuals receive the care and assistance they need during this difficult time.

Another important theme of this volume is the need for greater awareness and education about VSED. The authors argue that VSED is often misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to unnecessary suffering and fear for individuals who may be considering this option. They call for increased public education and awareness about VSED, as well as for improved access to information and support for individuals who are interested in this practice.

In conclusion, Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) is a widely available option for hastening death that respects patient choice and provides a compassionate approach to end-of-life care. This volume provides a realistic, appropriately critical, yet supportive assessment of the practice, including eight illustrative real cases to demonstrate its practical application. By increasing awareness and education about VSED, we can ensure that individuals who wish to hasten their death receive the care and assistance they need, while also respecting their right to make their own end-of-life decisions.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190080730