Oregon Couple's Final Days Captured in Intimate Aid-in-Dying Video

Portland, Ore., couple Charlie and Francie Emerick died together in their bed on April 20, 2017, after taking lethal doses of medication obtained under the state's Death With Dignity law, reports Kaiser Health News . "It felt like their time, and it meant so much to know they were together," says one of the couple's daughters. More than 1,300 people have died in Oregon after obtaining lethal prescriptions following the state's legalization of medical aid-in-dying 20 years ago. Last year 143 people died by this law, and officials say the Emericks appear to be the only couple to ever take the drugs together at the same time. The couple made a 45-minute documentary to chronicle the background of their final decision and their preparations and resolve in carrying it out. Charlie had prostate cancer and heart difficulties and learned in early 2017 that he had only about six months left to live. Francie, meanwhile, was losing energy that concealed years of deterioration following multiple heart attacks and cancer. The couple carefully followed the specifics of the aid-in-dying law, which requires examinations by two different physicians to determine a prognosis of six months or less to live, multiple verifications of intent, and the ability of individuals to ingest the lethal medications themselves. The process takes at least 15 days. "We have a faith that says life is not to be worshipped," Francie said. "It's the quality of life that counts."