Encore Episode: Understanding VSED (Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking)

In this Encore episode, Claire O’Berry speaks with Judith Schwartz, former Clinical Director of End of Life Choices New York, about VSED: Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking.

This conversation offers a grounded look at what VSED involves, what supports are essential for comfort and safety, and why some people explore VSED when other end-of-life options are not available or accessible. Judith also discusses advance directive considerations, including documents designed to guide feeding decisions if a person later loses capacity.

Resources mentioned

• End of Life Choices New York: VSED information and education
• Dementia Advance Directive and “Minimal Comfort Feeding” option
• Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death (Oxford University Press), edited by Timothy E. Quill, Paul T. Menzel, Thaddeus Pope, and Judith Schwarz

Listener care note: This episode discusses end-of-life decision-making. If you feel distressed or at risk, please pause and contact local crisis supports or emergency services.