In 2009, Montana was caught up in a heated national debate over whether terminally ill patients could expedite their deaths by taking lethal, physician-prescribed medication. More than a decade later, the state is still mired in disagreement about medical aid in dying, in part because courts and elected lawmakers have sidestepped the political hot-potato. Meanwhile, individual Montanans are confronting profound and personal questions about death in their own ways — including whether “good” deaths are even possible.   

BONUS LINKS:

Read former Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson’s reflection on the Baxter decision here.

Watch one of the Montana Legislature’s 2021 hearings on a bill to prohibit medical aid in dying here.

 

Shared State a podcast from Montana Free Press, Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio. This episode was reported by Mara Silvers. It was edited and produced by Nicky Ouellet, with additional editing and hosting by Nick Mott. Editorial assistance from Corin Cates-Carney, Nadya Faulx, and Brad Tyer. Fact-checking by Jess Sheldahl. Gabe Sweeney is our sound designer.