Even when legal, the controversial practice of choosing to die after a terminal diagnosis is extremely difficult.
Aaron McQ of Seattle shared his story in the hope of shedding light on an often secretive and misunderstood practice. nbcnews.to/2KFfwwL (1/5)
Aaron McQ of Seattle shared his story in the hope of shedding light on an often secretive and misunderstood practice. nbcnews.to/2KFfwwL (1/5)
Aaron McQ — a former world traveler and triathlete — learned he had leukemia 5 years ago, followed by a diagnosis of a rare form of ALS. In November, he was given 6 months to live.
“It’s like waking up every morning in quicksand. It’s terrifying.” nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (2/5)
“It’s like waking up every morning in quicksand. It’s terrifying.” nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (2/5)
Last fall, McQ decided to use Washington state’s Death With Dignity law to end his suffering.
The choice, he said, became not death over a healthy life, but a “certain outcome” over a prolonged, painful — and “unknowable” — end. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (3/5)
The choice, he said, became not death over a healthy life, but a “certain outcome” over a prolonged, painful — and “unknowable” — end. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (3/5)
Supporters say the practice gives patients control over their own fate in the face of a terminal illness.
Detractors argue that such laws could put pressure on vulnerable people and that proper palliative care can ease end-of-life suffering. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (4/5)
Detractors argue that such laws could put pressure on vulnerable people and that proper palliative care can ease end-of-life suffering. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (4/5)
By spring, McQ’s struggle worsened. When a nurse suggested he transfer to a hospice facility to control his pain, he decided that he’d rather die at home.
Aaron McQ chose the day: April 10, passing in the comfort of close friends. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (5/5) #NBCNewsThreads
Aaron McQ chose the day: April 10, passing in the comfort of close friends. nbcnews.to/2vULuPU (5/5) #NBCNewsThreads
