Health1 min read

Barbara Barrie's daughter recalls decision to end her life with medical aid

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Barrie spent her final days engaged with the world by following the news, listening to the radio, and organizing details for her own memorial service. Her family stood by her choice, noting that she was prepared to depart after pain set in on her final day. Her death was facilitated by state legislation signed in January that took effect in August, spareing her the need to seek aid elsewhere. In her final moments, she urged her loved ones to continue fighting for aid-in-dying rights nationwide.

Key points

  • Barrie had previously considered traveling to Switzerland or Vermont before New York lega…: Barrie had previously considered traveling to Switzerland or Vermont before New York legalized medical aid in dying.
  • The veteran stage and screen actress remained alert and helped plan her own memorial serv…: The veteran stage and screen actress remained alert and helped plan her own memorial service before passing away.
  • Barrie viewed medical aid in dying as a fundamental human right and asked her family to c…: Barrie viewed medical aid in dying as a fundamental human right and asked her family to continue advocating for the cause.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Veteran actress

Barbara Barrie, best known for her roles in 'Suddenly Susan' and 'Breaking Away', chose to end her life with medical assistance at her Manhattan home after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 95-year-old's decision was supported by her family, with her daughter, actress Jane Harnick, opening up about how her mother approached her final days and why they stood by her choice.

Speaking to Page Six, Jane revealed that her mother had believed in the right to medical aid in dying long before her cancer diagnosis. She said Barrie had always been clear about how she wanted to spend her final moments and was grateful that New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act had come into effect just in time for her to exercise that choice.

Barbara Barrie's daughter says family supported her decision

Recalling her mother's long-held views, Jane said Barrie had often spoken about wanting to pass away peacefully rather than endure a prolonged illness.

"For years and years, her whole life before she was ever sick with any illness, she always used to say, 'When…

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