Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

Death with Dignity in Switzerland: A Husband’s Final Choice


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In this episode of Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, host Traci Arieli sits down with Erica Baccus to share a deeply personal and powerful story about Death with Dignity. When Erica’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he knew he wanted control over his end-of-life journey. But with restrictive laws in the U.S., they were forced to travel to Switzerland, one of the few places where non-residents can legally choose an assisted death.  

Together, we discuss:  

  • What Death with Dignity means and why it was important to Erica’s husband.  
  • The legal and logistical challenges of seeking assisted dying in Switzerland.  
  • The emotional journey of supporting a loved one through this choice.  
  • The impact on grief, healing, and societal perceptions of end-of-life decisions.  

This conversation is about love, loss, and honoring someone’s final wishes. Whether or not you agree with Death with Dignity, Erica’s story is a powerful reminder that every individual deserves autonomy, dignity, and compassion at the end of life.  

Links & Resources  

  • Guest's Substack: https://ericabaccus.substack.com/p/a-promise-kept 
  • Host: Traci Arieli's Websitehttps://www.comfortingclosure.com  
  • Resource Mentioned: In Love by Amy Bloom – https://www.amybloom.com  

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, share, and subscribe to support the podcast and continue normalizing conversations about death, dying, and grief. Let’s open the door to more compassionate and informed end-of-life choices. 

#DeathWithDignity #EndOfLifeDoula #DeathDoula #Alzheimers #AssistedDying #GriefSupport #ComfortingClosure 

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Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death DoulaBy Traci Arieli

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