The VSED Handbook

Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is a widely available yet little known end-of-life choice utilized throughout human history by terminally ill people suffering from pain and existential distress. In this short but comprehensive guidebook, novelist Kate Christie describes the steps her family took when her mother Jane chose to utilize VSED in 2020 to escape the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. In clear, concise language, Christie-a former technical writer-provides an actionable plan for anyone considering hastening their own death, emphasizing the importance of planning, palliative care (including medication to ease the dying process), and a broad support network. She also describes what to expect from each stage of the VSED process and highlights the challenges and unexpected gifts of accompanying her dying mother on her final journey. As Christie notes, a peaceful death like the one her mother experienced via VSED is possible-but only with planning, perseverance, and the support of a trusted team.