In mid-January, board member Kate Christie found her book The VSED Handbook suddenly and unceremoniously blocked on Amazon KDP, where she had published the Kindle and print editions in 2022. In effect, this move banned her book from sale on the bookselling giant’s platform. When she asked to know why publication was being blocked after four years of positive sales and reviews, Amazon representatives evaded the question. Finally, after several days of pushing back and requesting a reason, Kate learned that Amazon had decided that the subject matter of her book is “in violation of KDP content guidelines” and that their decision “not to offer this book for sale on Amazon” was final.
Over the next few days, Kate learned that she was not the only author impacted by the ban. Phyllis Shacter’s VSED memoir Choosing to Die, which had been published on Amazon in 2017 and had sold consistently ever since, had also been blocked from publication, as had VSED Support by VRNW co-founder Nancy Simmers. Additionally, other longstanding books had been wiped from the largest bookstore in the world like The Peaceful Pill Handbook as well as Oxford Press’sVoluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking: A Compassionate, Widely Available Option for Hastening Death, edited by Timothy E. Quill, Paul T. Menzel, Thaddeus M. Pope, and Judith K. Schwarz.
When Kate appealed the ban, Amazon representatives replied as follows:
Title: The VSED Handbook: A Practical Guide to Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking
We reviewed the information provided and have decided to uphold our previous decision not to offer this book for sale on Amazon. Please see the message sent Jan 13, 2026, 6:44 AM explaining our decision. We are unable to share further insight on this matter at this time. This decision will take effect immediately.
Amazon Kindle Enterprise Publishing, Amazon Content Review Team
Fortunately, Kate was able to re-publish The VSED Handbook through Draft2Digital, a partner of Ingram distribution services, and the book is back up on Amazon as well as other bookstores, including Barnes & Noble and your local independent bookstore. She helped Phyllis Shacter do the same, and Choosing to Die is also available once again. If you’re looking for a copy of her handbook, please visit Kate’s website to find out current availability and how to order.