Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

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

Traci Arieli

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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.  

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