Diane Rehm is a legendary radio host whose show has aired on National Public Radio for decades and has hosted many of the leading figures in American society. However, her time on the air is nearing an end with 2016 being her last year broadcasting but she has a plan for retirement, to become an advocate for the right-to-die movement. Her passion for subject comes watching the slow death of her husband of over 50 years by his own choice while battling Parkinson’s Disease. He was unable to have the assistance of a physician to make the process painless and dignified and required 10 days to pass as a result. This experience has lead to her to battle for those that are trapped between an uncaring government denying them their natural right to have final control over their own existence and the desire to protect family and friends from malicious prosecution for helping a loved one end their suffering. While it is unknown what affect she will have over this contentious debate, anyone that is familiar with her show knows she will pursue this end with the utmost vigor.
See Karen Heller, Diane Rehm’s next act: Using her famed voice to fight for the good death, The Washington Post, January 27, 2016.
Special thanks to Lewis Saret for bringing this article to my attention.
