Iowa Man With Alzheimer’s Travels to Switzerland to End His Life

An Iowa man traveled to Switzerland and ended his life after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He stated that he made his decision because laws would not allow him to do the same in the state of Iowa.

A Farewell Message on Facebook

The Des Moines Register reports that Rusty Martin of Des Moines died on August 18th in Switzerland, after taking medication by a doctor to end his life. Days before his death, Martin posted a farewell message to friends and family on Facebook. Martin was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2024. In the video, Martin states that "Alzheimer's is a fatal, incurable disease that gets worse as you go along. That’s why I started planning to legally end my life the day I was diagnosed."

End of Life Services Offered in Switzerland

The Register reports that Martin used the end-of-life services provided by a company called Dignitas. The company says that its work includes end-of-life counseling, working with doctors and clinics, suicide attempt prevention, and assistance with self-determined end of life. Martin stated that he wanted his life to end at his home in Iowa, but that laws prevented that from happening.

Which U.S. States Allow Medical Aid in Dying?

The Register reports that medical aid in dying is currently illegal in the state of Iowa. But there are many states that do allow such services. U.S. states that have laws allowing such medical aid include:

• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Washington
• Washington D.C.

The Register reports that Illinois will soon be added to that list. The state passed 'Deb's Law' last December, which will allow medical aid in dying for certain terminally ill adults. The law goes into effect September 12th.