Advance Directive for Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED)

What is VSED? 

VSED stands for Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking. It means you voluntarily refuse to eat food or drink liquids, with the understanding that it will accelerate the process of dying and reduce suffering. People with a serious, irreversible, intolerable condition, for instance, might choose VSED.

What is a VSED Directive? 

A VSED Directive is a document that expresses your end-of-life wishes about receiving food or drink from care providers. 

Why would I choose VSED instead of (or in addition to) medical aid in dying? 

Some progressive illnesses, like dementia, make you lose your ability to make decisions about your health care, including choosing medical aid in dying. VSED does not require a specific diagnosis or physician order, so it might be the only option for some people wishing to accelerate the process of dying.

What if I already have a health care directive? 

Your VSED Directive does not replace your other advance directives, such as health care or mental health advance directives. It also doesn’t replace other documents (like a POLST or MOLST form) that decline emergency medical treatment.

Is a VSED Directive legal? 

Yes. A VSED Directive is a legal advance directive. Medical providers are usually legally required to follow your advance directives. The best way to make sure your wishes will be honored is to talk with your medical team, your care facility, your caregivers, and your family members about your VSED Directive.