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‘Pop-up death boutiques’ explode across America: Fears as ‘Zen monastery’ opens where New Yorkers pay $12,000 to die by assisted suicide
Quietus, a New York clinic founded by former hospice worker David Atkins, offers in-home support for terminally ill adults who choose to use the state’s new assisted-dying law. Its launch has drawn attention to a paid service in a contested area of medicine, with critics warning about profit and eligibility while Atkins says the clinic turns away people who do not qualify.
The service costs $11,000, plus about $1,000 for the prescribed drugs, though Atkins says some families receive steep discounts. He says 15 people have died after using the clinic, and 40 to 50 others have contacted or been referred to it; more than half of enquiries concern people with ALS. The law is limited to adults with six months or less to live, who must take the drugs themselves, while the state has not released figures on how many people have used it.
In short
- Quietus charges up to $12,000 for assisted-dying support.
- The clinic says 15 people have died after using its service.
- New York has not released official figures on use of the law.
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The case for
Supporters argue that, for terminally ill adults who meet the law’s criteria, assisted dying can offer agency and relief from suffering when death is near. A specialist service may help patients and families navigate a difficult process with care, and Atkins says the clinic turns away people who do not qualify and discounts fees for some families.
The case against
Critics argue that charging thousands of dollars for help with ending life risks turning a deeply vulnerable decision into a commercial service, even where some discounts are offered. They may also question whether eligibility safeguards are sufficient in practice, particularly when many enquiries involve people with ALS and the state has not published figures on use of the law.
Explained simply
Assisted dying allows some people with a terminal illness to choose to end their lives with prescribed medication. In New York, a new law permits this for adults who are expected to live for six months or less; they must take the medication themselves.
Quietus is a private clinic that arranges support for people considering this option, including help at home. Its founder, David Atkins, says the service turns away people who do not meet the law’s criteria. The clinic charges for its support, with the medication costing extra.
The service has prompted debate about the role of paid providers in assisted dying and how eligibility is protected. The state has not published figures showing how many people have used the law, so the clinic’s reported cases offer only a partial picture.