By Mark Savan, AZELO Executive Director
In last month’s newsletter I wrote about the increasing visibility of the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) movement in mainstream media. Another example of this trend is a program titled “Take Me Out Feet First” – a six-part series that is directed by a woman whose parents both separately chose MAID.
The series provides an intimate look into the lives and deaths of several people who have chosen to pursue MAID. It can be purchased or rented by clicking here and is also currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
For me, the first episode was particularly powerful. It follows a husband and wife as they (at separate times) utilized MAID. It is hard for me to image a more intimate view into this process than is provided in this 90-minute program. The viewer is along for the entire MAID process—including the consulting physician video call, last goodbyes with friends and family, and the actual moment of death. This is a very graphic and very powerful program.
I’ve been watching this series at the same time as one of our fantastic AZELO supporters—Jean Owen from Prescott. I asked Jean to provide her thoughts on the series:
When I first heard about this new documentary series about MAID I immediately started watching it. Since I hadn’t read anything about it, I assumed that it would be about “elders” (like myself) considering this end of life option. Yes, there were some older folks who chose this method, but I was taken aback when I watched the interviews of people in their 20/s, 30/s, 40s and older. This is such a potent and sober reminder than cancer and other life-limiting illnesses can strike any of us at any time.
My 79-year-old brother died in April of this year. His last 4 months were truly horrific with him going back and forth between ERs, ICUs, hospital beds, a rehab center, and assisted-living placement, group home(s) and a skilled nursing facility. There was a log of mismanagement/confusion with medical caregivers and medications. With the continuing changes of where he was placed and then moved again and again and again, it was a nightmare that no one of any age should have to go through (and this happened in California).
Arizona needs to have MAID available for those who choose to use it. Our legislators have been blocking this legislation for many years; they are not representing the majority of Arizonans who want to have this option. If they continue to refuse our requests to bring this through the legislative process we must put it on the ballot and let the majority of Arizona voters vote it in to reflect the wishes of the majority of the people.
“Take Me Out Feet First” can be purchased or rented by clicking here and is also currently available on Amazon Prime Video.