Aubrey
Welsh
Voluntarily Stopping Eating
and Drinking (VSED)
Many of my friends and readers have asked for more information about what a VSED is and so I thought the best way of doing this would to be to elaborate on it on this website. It's a complicated subject and I am not an expert. But I will share what I know; talking about how and why I have chosen it as my end of life choice. I acknowledge, though, that whilst I do not experience unbearable suffering, it is my 'completed life' criterion which has led me to my end of life decision.
NEW research on VSED - 2024
This paper identifies 16 research studies and 22 articles which have arisen from them - all with a view to better understanding VSED and provide recommendations for healthcare professionals and those who know someone engaging in VSED.
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One paragraph stood out for me:
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POSITIVE EXPERIENCES WITH VSED
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VSED is a “good death”: Overall, VSED is seen as a dignified death. It was described by the accompanying persons as beautiful and amazing. The dying process was perceived as calm, peaceful and not stressful for the patient and mostly met the patient's expectations. The patients were happy and relieved to have this option. The course of the VSED made it possible to say goodbye, spend time together or settling affairs, which was enriching for the patient and the family. Most healthcare professionals (73-76%) could imagine VSED for themselves, as could some relatives. In addition, experience with VSED is associated with more positive attitudes towards VSED, such as having fewer concerns, imagining VSED as dignified, imagining VSED as an option for themselves, accompanying a person and recommending VSED.
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You can read the full article here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168851024001842
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On Monday 12 August, Gustav and Renske from RSG Op en Wakker interviewed me about my end of life choice.
Listen on the link below:
​https://www.rsg.co.za/rsg/omny/om-die-lewe-te-verlaat-deur-op-te-hou-eet-en-drink/
I bought this publication in 2023 and it has given me much insight into VSED. I trust it as it is written and compiled by medical practitioners and comes at a time when the topic is beginning to be widely discussed. In summary, what have I gleaned from it is that: (double quotes from source)
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​VSED is legal in many countries around the world, including NZ
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Describing VSED as 'death by starvation' is "misleading"
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"The process of dying by VSED can be relatively comfortable and peaceful" - as long as there is good palliative care
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In general, VSED is often taken up by individuals who have a current or prospective terminal illness
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It is similar to " refusing lifesaving treatment" (RSLT or in many parts of the world an 'advance directive')
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They discuss the differences between suicide and VSED and suggest that VSED should not be viewed as suicide
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My argument is that we need 'new language' to describe what I plan to do because it is very different from suicide
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They do accept, though, that through current legislation, most people perceive it as suicide; I argue that the legislation must change
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And this is where 'a completed life' comes in - it covers conditions where the individual is approaching their later years of life and, looking back at the passage of their lives, can honestly attest they have done all they feel they have needed to do and do not wish to continue living
This was the sunrise which greeted me on a particular morning and it filled me with great joy because, throughout my life I have marvelled at many sunrises and sunsets - in many different countries - and they are my favourite part of the day/night.
And it reminded me to add something to this page about
why I have decided to embark on a VSED.
It is NOT about:
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being scared of dying - this happens to all of us
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feeling afraid of future illness and suffering - I just do not want to simply wait until that happens - because it will
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being selfish by denying my presence - throughout my life I have always given everything I could to all who needed my support
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not having enough money - I could quite easily have lived happily for decades on all the money (living inheritance) I gave to family and friends over the past 5 years
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being sad and depressed for the family and friends I have lost though my life
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It IS about:
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exercising my right to choose how I end my life
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reflecting on what a wonderful life I have had
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leaving on a positive note with great memories
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raising awareness that people must talk about death and prepare for it
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I have said before that my position is a fairly unique one which allows me to consider this end of life option. For most of you who read this - that is not the case. There are myriad reasons why you should continue living right now.
But there will come a time in the future when you will begin to think about your own approaching end of life - and what you would like that end to look like. It is possible that your faith or beliefs suggest you live as long as possible using all the available medical support to do so. There is nothing wrong with this option. Just as there is nothing wrong with choosing an alternative path.
It's just that, as a society, we haven't seriously entertained or debated the thought of an alternative path - until now.
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In the 1980s, Jack Kervorkian challenged medico-legal systems when he advocated for 'euthanasia' and it took several decades and a jail sentence before the first countries legalised physician-assisted end of life choices. Today, Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) is legal in 11 states in the US and in 14 jurisdictions in other parts of the world. In Australia, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is available in 6 states (but not the Northern Territory or ACT) and governed under strict criteria. In New Zealand, Assisted Dying (AD) is available to most of those who are eligible.
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It is my belief that in the coming years, society will accept 'a completed life' option as an acceptable end of life choice. And perhaps then, there will be less suffering through extended age permitting more compassionate approaches to end of life choices.
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Yayoi Kusama Exhibition: Wellington 2009
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