Compassion & Choices is dedicated to providing information about the full range of end-of-life options. Recently, we updated our suite of tools to help people understand voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED). VSED involves consciously choosing to refuse food and fluids with the intention of advancing the time of death. These resources are for anyone with questions about this option and the dying process. They include:

VSED Basics

• Frequently Asked Questions about VSED — Discusses the constitutionally protected right to VSED, who can access it and other critical information.

• The Facts About VSED — Breaks down differences between VSED and other end-of-life options.

• VSED Fact Sheet — Reasons one may choose VSED and a detailed account of preparing for and dying with VSED, such as the body’s response during the process.

Storyteller Account

• Journal of My Mother’s Death, a VSED Chronicle — Storyteller Marcia Sloane shares her mother’s experience choosing to VSED after a long and happy life, and provides helpful information for anyone wishing to learn more about the process.

Become Your Own Best Advocate 

• Starting the End-of-Life Care Conversation With Your Healthcare Provider — Go back to basics with this fact sheet that shares easy-to-use tips on starting conversations about end-of-life care and planning with healthcare providers.

• A Patient’s Guide to Personal Advocacy With Doctors, Healthcare Systems and
  Hospice — This guide helps people advocate for the care they want in healthcare settings. It includes a letter to send to healthcare providers and systems if they don’t honor the full range of end-of-life options.

Visit our VSED page for these and more resources on achieving a peaceful death that aligns with your priorities.

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