A Mother's Life and Death

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Zoe FitzGerald Carter’s mom called her up to schedule a day to die. She was aging, ailing, suffering — and she wanted to end it before it got worse.

She wanted her daughters to be there. To be together, with her, at the end. Maybe even to help her end her life.

Now, what does a good daughter, or son, or spouse, or friend do? There are a million variations on this story. Some subtle — small steps to ease death at the end. Some as unsubtle as sleeping pills and a plastic bag.

Now this daughter is telling her family’s story.

This hour, On Point: When a loved one wants to die.Guest:
Zoe FitzGerald Carter joins us from Berkeley, Calif. She's the author of the new memoir, "Imperfect Endings: A Daughter's Tale of Life and Death." 
Read an excerpt from "Imperfect Endings."