Death with dignity: A conversation with NPR’s Diane Rehm

Death isn’t a popular topic — reminders of our shared mortality make us uncomfortable. If death and dying does become the subject of conversation, it can lead to fierce debate.

According to longtime NPR host Diane Rehm, “talking about death in the U.S. is the last taboo.” And its something she says needs to change.

Rehm is a supporter of the Right to Die movement, which she discusses in her latest book When My Time Comes: Conversations About Whether Those Who Are Dying Should Have the Right to Determine When Life Should End.

In it, Rehm presents interviews with the terminally ill, various physicians, priests, and others. She pursues conversations about death with dignity policy, examining both sides of the issue and weighing the pros and cons of medically assisted dying.

She also shares personal stories about the death of loved ones, and what she hopes will take place during her final days. Her goal is to have comfort and the assurance that her choice will be respected.

Rehm is known for her vulnerability, inquisitiveness, and honesty as a radio host. She had a decades-long career at WAMU in Washington, D.C., and NPR, where she hosted The Diane Rehm Show from 1984- 2016.

Diane Rehm was joined in this conversation by Ross Reynolds, KUOW’s Executive Producer of Community Engagement.

They spoke at Town Hall Seattle on February 12.