Opinion: I Promised My Sister I Would Write About How She Chose to Die

Steve Petrow reflects on the final moments with his sister Julie, who was suffering from advanced ovarian cancer. Despite the expectation of a peaceful end through liver failure, Julie’s tumors continued to grow, causing her intense pain. 

The family shared a last supper together, and later, the author joined Julie in embracing the option of Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), a legal choice in New Jersey. Petrow emphasizes the significance of having end-of-life options and the challenges faced by those in states where such choices are not available. 

For more information see Steven Petrow “I Promised My Sister I Would Write About How She Chose to Die”, The New York Times, December 28, 2023.

Special thanks to Naomi Cahn (University of Virginia) for bringing this article to my attention.