Brave Little State explores the complexities of medical aid in dying, broadcast live on Vermont Public

Josh Crane, reporter and producer for Brave Little State with Vermont Public says, "If you’re like me, you may not have realized Vermont is one of just 10 states with a Medical- Aid-in-Dying (MAiD) law on the books. Act 39, as it’s known here, passed in 2013. And there’s a bunch of criteria you must meet in order to use it, like being a Vermont resident over the age of 18 with a terminal illness." ​

Mikaela Lefrak reported this episode of Brave Little State, weaving together a thorough accounting of how the law works with a moving portrait of the Vermonters who spend time in this space — doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospice workers, patients and their families.

​As for that last group, the families, Mikaela spoke to Donna, Diane and Judy, three sisters whose parents, Stanley and Elaine Fitch, used Act 39 last year to die together after more than 70 years of marriage. The sisters were with their parents when they died.

​In the episode, the Fitch sisters share more about their parents’ final day, and what it meant for their family. ​

​“We each took turns talking to them and saying whatever we needed to say for closure,” the sisters told us, “but most of the closure was really joyful and loving.”

On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at noon, a shortened version of the podcast episode (above) was included within a Live call-in discussion that Vermont Public broadcast live.

"Since the passage of Act 39 in 2013, terminally ill patients in Vermont have had the option of a process known as medical aid in dying. This hour, we'll listen to a recent episode of Brave Little State that explores one family's experience, and the stories of medical professionals who support patients in their final days."

The featured guest on air was PCV Board Member, Dr. Jaina Clough, MD, an internal medicine specialist in Burlington who specializes in end-of-life care and the realities of treating terminally ill patients.