This Is Assisted Dying

BY dr. Stefanie Green

*Indigo, Most-Anticipated Books of 2021

*Indigo, Spotlight Book of the Month (April) (Rare unanimous pick)

“Physician Green chronicles in this stunning account her work in the assisted dying field after Canada passed its Medical Assistance in Dying bill in 2016 … Much like her patients, Green avoids cloying sentimentality and gets straight at the heart of the matter with compassion and force: “We’re going to talk about death today, and we’re going to talk about dying... I’m going to talk about these things quite frankly,” she tells one patient. Green gives a personal voice to a contentious topic, making a memorable case that death is a “mark of our humanity.” Written with sensitivity, grace, and candor, this is not to be missed.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A humane, cleareyed view of how and why one can leave the world by choice.”

—Kirkus Review

“Superb …  Gripping and informative … I welled up a few good times, [Green writes] so poignantly … The compassion for [her] clients oozes from the pages, alongside an admirable honesty as [she processes] the personal and professional challenges thrown up by [her] work.”

—Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision

“A well-written, compelling story that could benefit anyone with any role to play in end-of-life care.  Thank you … such a beautiful and thoughtful tale.” 

—Helen Long, CEO of Dying With Dignity            

“Through the stories of her patients and her own newfound commitment to making medical aid-in-dying more accessible, Stefanie Green illuminates the landscape of a shadow world that continues its quest for greater acceptance and understanding within and beyond medicine.”

—Sunita Puri, MD, author of That Good Night: Life and Medicine in the Eleventh Hour

“After 40 years as a clinician, I don't cry easily, but this beautiful book brought tears to my eyes.”

— Dr Nick Carr, St Kilda Medical Group, Board member, Dying with Dignity Victoria Australia

“Stefanie Green’s courageous account inspires compassion, joy, and deep understanding; essential reading for patients with serious illness, their families, and all of those who care for them.”

—Ronald Epstein MD, author of Attending: Medicine, Mindfulness, and Humanity (Scribner, 2007)