Preparing an Advance Directive for Dementia

March 29, 2026 Michelle Witte, FEN's newest Executive Director, spoke to the Hemlock Society of San Diego, sharing updates on FEN’s leadership transitions, the current state and promise of the Exit Guide Program, future plans, and insights into the most recent legal challenge. Q&A with the audience followed her presentation.

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/