Barbara Barrie Used New York's Medical Aid in Dying Law for Her Passing
The Oscar-nominated actress died at home just three weeks after her terminal cancer diagnosis, with her daughter crediting the recently enacted law for allowing her a peaceful end.
Actress Barbara Barrie was able to end her life with medical assistance at her Manhattan home, a decision facilitated by New York State's "Medical Aid in Dying Act." Her daughter, Jane Harnick, shared that the law's enactment was "in the nick of time" for the actress, who received a terminal cancer diagnosis just three weeks prior to her death.
Barrie, who died at age 95, had been a lifelong advocate for medical aid in dying, expressing a long-held desire to "take something and go to sleep" when her time came. Harnick noted that her mother believed this was a fundamental human right and had previously considered traveling to other states or countries where such laws were in effect.
The "Medical Aid in Dying Act," signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in January and officially taking effect in August, permits terminally ill adults to request life-ending medication from their doctors. Barrie's family confirmed her passing by medical assistance on Wednesday.
According to Harnick, Barrie's health declined rapidly after her terminal cancer diagnosis. She was hospitalized three weeks before her death, at which point medical professionals informed her that she could proceed with her wishes. Barrie spent her final days engaged in activities she enjoyed, including reading and listening to the radio, and also meticulously planned her own memorial service.
"We were planning her death and her memorial at the same time and she was fine with it," Harnick said. "She was weighing in on who should speak and what the music should be and she was really fine with that. She was ready to go. She knew 95 was old enough."
On her final day, Barrie began to experience pain, allowing her family to time the administration of medication accordingly. She passed away surrounded by her daughter, son Aaron Harnick, and son-in-law Adam Freifeld. Her last words to her family, as she was falling asleep, were "I love you too."
Barrie's family stated that she wished for them to continue her advocacy for medical aid in dying, emphasizing that her decision was entirely her own and fully supported by them. "She had the most incredible life, she did everything she wanted to do, she had the family she wanted," Jane said. "It was 100 percent her decision, and we all supported it. She’s an advocate for that right."