Updated 7.30pm
HER STORY CAPTIVATED people around the world: A young woman, recently married, who had chosen the date of her death.
Brittany Maynard was given a terminal brain cancer diagnosis in April, and told that at just 29, she had six months left to live.
She decided she wanted to choose her date of death, and wanted to wait until after 30 October.
Her story came to light after she filmed an interview for US right-to-die group Compassion & Choices, where she explained:
I will die upstairs in my bedroom with my husband, mother, stepfather and best friend by my side, and pass peacefully.
In a video released on 29 October, she talked about the impact of her illness. “It’s just that my body has changed so quickly, you really stop recognising yourself in a way,” she said.
I think sometimes people look at me and say you don’t look as sick as you say that you are, which hurts to hear because when I’m having a seizure, and I can’t speak afterwards, I certainly feel as sick as I am.
Her mother, Debbie, said it was not her “job” to tell Brittany how to live, or to tell her how to die.
This weekend, Brittany ended her life. People Magazine was the first to report the news, saying that Maynard ended her own life at home in Portland.
Oregon has a Death With Dignity Act that enables people to self-administer lethal medications.
In an obituary on the official website for the Brittany Maynard Fund, Brittany said:
It is people who pause to appreciate life and give thanks who are happiest. If we change our thoughts, we change our world! Love and peace to you all.
She is survived by her husband Daniel Diaz and family.
Here is the video where the world first learned about Brittany’s decision:
Originally published 9.34am
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