In 2009, Montana was caught up in a heated national debate over whether terminally ill patients could expedite their deaths by taking lethal, physician-prescribed medication. More than a decade later, the state is still mired in disagreement about medical aid in dying, in part because courts and elected lawmakers have sidestepped the political hot-potato. Meanwhile, individual Montanans are confronting profound and personal questions about death in their own ways — including whether “good” deaths are even possible.
This episode includes descriptions of death and dying, including mentions of suicide that may be upsetting to some listeners.
Links:
Read former Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson’s reflection on the Baxter decision here.
Watch one of the Montana Legislature’s 2021 hearings on a bill to prohibit medical aid in dying here.
Transcript:
Nick Mott A quick warning before we start this episode includes descriptions of death and dying, including mentions of suicide that may be upsetting to some listeners.
