What death doulas can teach us about dying well without religion

MedicalXpress | Jul 07, 2026

In most Western societies, death has always been the church's job. Nearly everyone wanted last rites, deathbed prayers and a faith leader at their bedside. But for a growing number of people, that template for dying is no longer the only option. The death doula, a different kind of caregiver, is increasingly entering the scene.