Utilizing the English language, the primary focus keyphrase being “End-of-life options” and “patient autonomy.”
Julie Petrow-Cohen’s Journey with End-of-Life Options
At her 61st birthday celebration, Julie Petrow-Cohen proudly displayed a painting crafted by her brother Jay when she was just 16 years old.
Steven Petrow
Julie Petrow-Cohen at her 61st birthday, with a painting done by her brother Jay when she was 16.
Journalist and author Steven Petrow fondly reminisces about his sister Julie Petrow-Cohen, describing her as a self-proclaimed troublemaker with an infectious smile. Her love for the beach, gardening, and her family was unparalleled.
Petrow affectionately referred to his younger sister as his “co-conspirator in life,” recalling their escapades sneaking out to queer bars in their youth, covering for each other with their parents.
In 2017, Julie received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer. Despite enduring six years of rigorous treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, recurrences, and experimental clinical trials, Julie ultimately chose to utilize “medical aid in dying” to peacefully end her suffering.
Understanding Medical Aid in Dying
Medical aid in dying, known as MAID, is currently legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C. These laws empower terminally ill individuals to obtain prescriptions for life-ending medications from their physicians. Several other states are contemplating similar legislation.
Eligibility for MAID typically involves mental competence, confirmation by two doctors of a prognosis within six months, multiple oral and written requests, and waiting periods between requests.
While approximately 70% of Americans support this end-of-life option, it remains a contentious issue. Opponents, including various religious factions, argue against human intervention in the natural course of life. Concerns about coercion, particularly among individuals with disabilities, have led to legal challenges in certain states.
Advocates of MAID emphasize the importance of alleviating unnecessary pain and granting individuals like Julie the autonomy to make decisions about their own end-of-life care.
Steven Petrow shared that for Julie, having the choice of MAID provided her with a sense of empowerment and control amidst the challenges of a terminal illness.
Steven’s Reflections on Julie’s Decision
Reflecting on Julie’s decision to pursue MAID, Steven recounted his initial struggles with accepting this choice. The concept of planning one’s death akin to planning a vacation or a cesarean section was initially unsettling and unfamiliar.
Over time, as he witnessed Julie’s pain and suffering, Steven’s perspective evolved. He grappled with the complexities of supporting Julie’s decision without equating it to endorsing her death.
Steven acknowledged the need for greater public awareness about MAID to ensure that individuals facing end-of-life decisions have access to comprehensive information and support.
He also addressed concerns raised by disability rights advocates, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding against any form of coercion and ensuring that everyone’s autonomy and well-being are respected.
Steven cherished memories of Julie, from their playful races in kayaks to their poignant moments together before her passing. Julie’s advocacy for end-of-life options stemmed from her commitment to social justice and equality.
Julie’s request for Steven to share her story was a testament to her belief in patient autonomy and the significance of having choices at the end of life.
This story is adapted from the health policy podcast Tradeoffs. Dan Gorenstein serves as Tradeoffs’ executive editor, and Ryan Levi is a reporter/producer for the show, where an earlier version of this story was featured.
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