A Dignified Ending: Taking Control Over How We Die
Dr. Lew Cohen, professor of psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and palliative medicine researcher reads from his latest book with help from audience volunteers. Readings are from the first chapter which describes the planned voluntary double suicide of Admiral Chester Nimitz Jr. and his wife Joan. When they had lost their independence and had had enough with the various medical conditions that, despite good medical care, continued to worsen, Admiral Nimitz meticulously planned the suicide and, with the knowledge of various family members, carried it out in 2002.
Quotes about Dr. Cohen’s book:
Dr. Cohen does not hide his beliefs and opinions. He also does not shy away from the complexity of the issue – he interviews leading disability rights activists and challenges leaders of the aid in dying movement. His book is filled with narratives of the people and family, doctors and activist who have defined this movement.
–the hosts of GeriPal, a podcast for geriatricians and palliative medicine practitioners.
Rather than rehearse familiar arguments, Cohen’s vivid prose tells stories without shying away from missteps and conflicts. The most striking stories are of persons who chose to end their lives with the help of family, friends, and volunteers.
–Tom Murray, President Emeritus of The Hastings Center, the leading bioethics foundation in the US.
Setting aside that I’m mentioned in this book, this is an authoritative, sensitive, well-written account of the modern right-to-die movement. [It is an] in-depth investigation, yet a pleasure to read because of the human touch.
–Derek Humphry, founder of the Hemlock Society and author of the bestseller, Final Exit, which has been translated into 12 languages.
Kathryn Tucker, JD is the Executive Director of the End-of-Life Liberty Project, Special Advocacy Advisor of the National Psychedelics Association, and Founding Board Member of the Psychedelic Bar Association. She has worked for over 3 decades to expand choice at the end of life. In this lecture recorded February 14, 2026, Kathryn discusses the ongoing effort to allow people facing death to seek relief from psychological suffering and die gently through psychedelic therapy. She challenges us to rethink one of life’s most universal experiences: dying.
Videography by Michael Daniels Phone 858-202-0507
While current medical advances help us live longer, they often fail to ensure a life of sufficient quality and dignity, especially for those facing Alzheimer’s or other dementias. This presentation by Thaddeus Mason Pope, JD examines four well-established end-of-life choices as well as five emerging choices. It also examines three theoretical options that push the boundaries of what may one day be legally possible in the U.S. Some of these ideas challenge public comfort and policy. But all are grounded in compassion, reason, and respect for personal choice. We hope you benefit from this informed and courageous discussion about how we might expand end-of-life options for aging Americans in the years ahead. https://www.thaddeuspope.com/
December 6, 2025. Doctors play a crucial role in the way we die as essential advisors, medical providers, and coordinators of our healthcare decisions and plans. In this meeting, a panel of 3 doctors discuss why they support Medical Aid in Dying (MAID), what changes they’d like to see in the law, and how they personally want to die. The panel also answered questions from the meeting participants.
SPEAKERS:
Curtis Krock, MD, A retired pulmonologist who practiced for 20 years and a member of the Hemlock Society Board of Directors.
Robert Gunn, MD, A retired physician whose wife chose Medical Aid in Dying.
Flora Danque, MD, Medical Director of Apreva Hospice.
October 19, 2025. Board Secretary Christie Golemb and lifetime member Pamela Harper present a history of our organization and an overview of end-of-life options.
