Planning One’s Death

Over 25 years ago Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act, began allowing patients to request — and physicians to prescribe — life-ending medications. However only thirteen jurisdictions currently have such laws, and many people desiring a death with dignity don’t meet states’ strict criteria. This presentation, based on Jim's experience as FEN Regional Coordinator and Death Café facilitator, can be tailored to the needs of the constituents.

There exist other potential options:  Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) and Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) at various Swiss Clinics. In addition, Final Exit Network (FEN), which grew out of the Hemlock Society founded by Derek Humphry, has been supporting those who wish to hasten their own deaths for over 20 years. Learn more about this important organization, what it does and how it addresses the needs of potential clients who are not necessarily terminally ill.

There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network

There at the End: Voices From Final Exit Network

This collection of unique first-person accounts explores the range of emotions of Final Exit Network clients over the past 20 years as they come to terms with end of life decisions for themselves and their loved ones. It also shares the experiences of FEN’s specially trained volunteers.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act, allowing patients to request — and physicians to prescribe — life-ending medications. However only eleven jurisdictions currently have such laws, and some people desiring a death with dignity don’t meet states’ strict criteria.

There exist other potential options:  Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) and Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) at various Swiss Clinics. In addition, Final Exit Network (FEN), which grew out of the Hemlock Society founded by Derek Humphry, has been supporting those who wish to hasten their own deaths for over 20 years. Learn more about this important organization, what it does and how it addresses the needs of potential clients who are not necessarily terminally ill.

Final Exit Network

Also discussed will be the importance (and shortcomings) of Advance Directives. Many communities are served only by religious-affiliated hospitals and nursing homes, which refuse to honor certain AD requests. In other cases, medical staff simply ignore the requests.

Even for those not looking to choose the time of their death, FEN serves as a strong advocate for members who need help getting their legally enforceable wishes honored.

This presentation, based on Jim’s experience as FEN Regional Coordinator and Death Café facilitator, can be tailored to the needs of the constituents.