Actress Barbara Barrie Uses New York's Medical Aid in Dying Law to End Life at Home
Barbara Barrie, 95, chose medically assisted death under New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act shortly after a terminal cancer diagnosis, according to her daughter.
Actress Barbara Barrie, 95, ended her life with medical assistance at her Manhattan residence after a terminal cancer diagnosis, using New York's newly enacted Medical Aid in Dying Act. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in January and effective from August, permits terminally ill adults to obtain life-ending medication from physicians.
Barrie's daughter, actress Jane Harnick, told Page Six that her mother had long supported the right to medically assisted death and had considered traveling to jurisdictions where the practice is legal before the New York law took effect. Barrie was diagnosed as terminal three weeks before her death, and her family coordinated her final days, including plans for her memorial.
"She wanted it to be her path," Harnick said, noting that Barrie was able to spend her last days reading the news, listening to her favorite radio station, and saying goodbye to family members present at the time of her death.
The family confirmed that Barrie's decision was made independently and that they supported her choice.
"It was 100 percent her decision, and we all supported it," Harnick added.
Barrie's passing marks one of the first uses of the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York.