End of Life Options in the Live Free or Die State -- a talk by Rebecca Brown

End-of-Life Options in the Live Free or Die State

Many people have an advance directive - but few understand how decisions are actually carried out in a medical setting. This talk examines end-of-life planning in New Hampshire, including the role of advance directives, and the critical importance of medical orders such as POLST and DNR. We will cover end-of-life options available in NH now, including voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). We will also cover Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD), a legal option available to roughly one third of Americans, but not yet here in NH. We'll discuss what MAiD is, what it is not, where things stand in NH, and how individuals are working to bring this option to NH. The emphasis is on practical understanding, clear communication, and preparing for real-world decisions. Free and open to the public.