THE RIGHT TO DIE (Part 2)

The book was extremely popular. Many people asking for his advice on how to help their loved ones who were also suffering from terminal illnesses sought out Humphry. He used the proceeds from his book to start the Hemlock Society and hoped to change the existing laws and to provide information to those suffering and dying.

Today this organization is divided into two parts. The Hemlock Foundation is responsible for publications, community service programs, research and educational materials. The Hemlock Society and it's members, take on the responsibility for trying to change the laws.

The word "hemlock," which is defined as, 1. a poisonous umbelliferous herb, Conicum maculatum, with spotted stems, finely divided leaves, and small white flowers, used medicinally as a powerful sedative or 2. a poisonous drink made from this herb, seemed to infer that the purpose of the organization was to help persons to kill themselves.

The literature of the society clearly states that the organization's goals are to fight for the passage of laws that would help only terminally ill patients to end their life. The Hemlock Society opposes suicide for mental and emotional problems or for financial difficulties.

On their web site, The Hemlock Society lists the following as their stance on the organization's guidelines for legislation they are seeking. This is a direct quote:

"Guidelines for Physician Aid in Dying Legislation

Hemlock USA supports clear, enforceable laws governing physician aid in dying. The following guidelines offer protection for doctors, patients and the public. These points may change from state to state, but they are contained in some form in most of the legislation that has been proposed in the U.S. and other countries since 1988. A bill permitting physician aid in dying:

Pertains only to mentally competent, terminally ill adults.

 Requires that the patient be fully informed of all alternatives, including hospice care.

 Requires that only the patient make the decision and that the patient must exercise independent judgment and not be coerced.

 Defines terminal illness as one in which the patient has not more than six months to live.

 Requires that at least two independent physicians agree on the diagnosis and the prognosis.

 Requires a mental health consultation, which may be at the discretion of the physician, if the capacity of the patient is doubtful or if treatable depression is suspected.

 Requires the patient to make an enduring request verbally, usually on three occasions separated by

The copyright of the article THE RIGHT TO DIE (Part 2) in Death & Dying is owned by Teresa Robbins . Permission to republish THE RIGHT TO DIE (Part 2) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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