In a poignant decision reflecting the struggles faced by those with terminal illnesses, Rusty Martin, a 66-year-old resident of Des Moines, Iowa, has chosen to end his life through medical aid in dying (MAID) after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Martin’s determination to control the end of his life comes from a deep-seated fear of losing his mental faculties as the disease progresses.
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Martin, who dedicated 24 years to serving as a communications director for the Iowa Senate Democrats, first noticed troubling signs in his life leading to his retirement in 2022. After grappling with distressing symptoms for years, including forgotten appointments and unusual mistakes, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2023. For Martin, receiving a formal diagnosis brought a sense of relief, but it also triggered an unsettling awareness of what lay ahead.
“It was not my fault,” he shared, reflecting on the years of uncertainty leading to his diagnosis. Yet, amid the relief of understanding his struggles, Martin grappled with the prospect of his future, realising that Alzheimer’s could render him unrecognisable to himself and his loved ones. “Alzheimer’s is a long goodbye,” he described, acknowledging the slow and debilitating nature of the disease.
Iowa does not currently permit medical aid in dying, leading Martin to make plans to travel to Switzerland, where MAID has been legal since 1942. Unlike euthanasia, where a physician administers lethal medication, MAID allows patients to take prescribed medication themselves to end their lives. Martin has made this choice to reclaim a sense of control over how and when he departs—decisions that he feels should rest with the individual.
Support for Martin’s decision comes from his wife, Kay Meyer, and their children. Although they are grappling with the reality of his choice, they understand his need for autonomy. Meyer articulated her sadness regarding Iowa’s lack of MAID laws, commenting that they would have more time together if such options were available locally. “It’s ridiculous. I mean, it makes me sad,” she said, accentuating her grief at a loss that feels both inevitable and preventable.
As Martin and his family prepare for their journey, the imminent prospect of his departure weighs heavily on them. The family plans to leave for Zurich on August 13, with Martin scheduled to have his life-ending procedure through the Swiss organisation Dignitas on August 18. The family is navigating a complex mix of emotions as they confront the realities of his decision.
In a heartfelt essay published in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, Martin expressed his desire not to be subjected to a protracted decline as Alzheimer’s takes hold. He stated, “I decided I would not let the disease slowly kill me.” Martin articulated a fear of being confined to a nursing home or becoming a source of conflict with loved ones, sentiments that resonate widely among those facing similar terminal conditions.
He conveyed a sense of comfort in knowing how his life would conclude, even as he expressed frustration over the effort required to access the dignified death he seeks. Prior to his forthcoming trip, Martin recorded a video message for his friends and family, urging others to support legislation advocating for the right to a dignified death in Iowa.
In his final message, he questioned the rationale behind legislative restrictions preventing Iowans from making conscious choices about their own ends. “Why? What is the point of keeping my body alive years after I’ve lost my mind?” he asked, inviting others to reflect on their rights to a dignified death. He also encouraged his fellow Iowans to hold candidates accountable in the upcoming elections regarding their positions on this crucial issue.
“I believe each of us has the right to a dignified death,” Martin affirmed, sharing his experience in hopes of igniting change in state legislation. He firmly believes that many would support the option for a dignified and peaceful end, echoing the sentiments of families who have long endured the anguish of watching their loved ones suffer.
As Martin prepares for his final journey, he not only highlights his struggle but also raises questions about the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding death with dignity. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of personal autonomy in making life-ending decisions and the pressing need for advocacy surrounding MAID laws in several states, including Iowa.