Artist Jackie Ferrara ends her life at 95 through medical aid despite being in good health

Jackie Ferrara's Final Choice: A Sculptor's Peaceful Exit at 95

Jackie Ferrara, the acclaimed American sculptor renowned for her geometric wooden constructions and public installations, made headlines on Wednesday, October 2025 when she chose to end her life at the age of 95 through medical aid in dying.

Her decision, though controversial, was deeply personal and reflective of her lifelong values of independence and autonomy.

Ferrara, whose work is housed in prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, had lived a long and creatively rich life.

Despite being in good physical health, she had experienced two falls in the preceding year that served as stark reminders of her vulnerability and her desire not to become dependent on others. In an interview with The New York Times shortly before her passing, she expressed a clear resolve: “I don’t want a housekeeper. I never wanted anybody. I was married three times. That’s enough.” These words underscored her fiercely independent spirit and her discomfort with the idea of relying on others for care.

Medical aid in dying (MAID) is a legal option in several U.S. states, including California, Oregon, and Vermont, but it typically requires that the patient be terminally ill. Because Ferrara was not suffering from a terminal condition, she did not qualify under American laws. Instead, she traveled to Basel, Switzerland, where she ended her life at Pegasos, a nonprofit clinic that offers assisted dying services without the requirement of terminal illness.

In Switzerland, medical aid in dying has been legal since 1942 and differs from euthanasia in that the patient must self-administer the prescribed life-ending medication.

Ferrara’s choice has sparked conversations about aging, autonomy, and the ethics of assisted dying for those who are not terminally ill. Her legacy as an artist remains intact, but her final act has added a new dimension to public discourse on end-of-life decisions. Her passing was confirmed by her estate and legacy adviser, Tina Hejtmanek, who noted that Ferrara had made her decision with clarity and conviction.

In the wake of her death, reactions have ranged from sorrow and admiration to moral debate. Some view her decision as a courageous assertion of control over her destiny, while others question the implications of allowing healthy individuals to access assisted dying.

Regardless of the stance one takes, Jackie Ferrara’s final chapter was consistent with the life she led, one marked by bold choices, creative vision, and an unwavering commitment to personal freedom.