The Hemlock Society USA

Mission Statement

The Hemlock Society USA believes terminally ill people should have the right to self- determination for all end-of-life decisions. Because Hemlock reveres life, dying people must be able to retain their dignity, integrity and self-respect. We encourage, through a program of education and research, public acceptance of voluntary physician aid-in-dying for the terminally ill.

Information about Oregon Death with Dignity act ballot measure 16
Chronology of events attempting to block measure 16

Pivotal events in the right to die movement

General Principles

The Hemlock Society USA seeks to provide a climate of public opinion that is tolerant of the right of terminally ill people to end their lives in a planned manner.

The Hemlock Society USA does net encourage suicide - for emotional, traumatic, or financial reasons - in the absence of terminal illness. We support the work of those involved in suicide prevention programs.

The Hemlock Society USA believes the final decision to terminate life is ultimately the individual's. This action, and most of all its timing, is an extremely personal decision, taken in concert with family, close friends, and in individual's personal physician when possible.

The Hemlock Society USA speaks only to those people who have mutual sympathy with its goals. We respect all religious and philosophical views.

Programs and Services

Education: Hemlock provides speakers for meetings of Hemlock Society chapters, the public, and professional associations, Representatives of the Society write articles and are featured in newspaper, television and radio interviews. The Society maintains an extensive collection of research materials and provides information on aid-in-dying upon request.

Publications: Hemlock provides books on the right-to-die, including the bestselling Final Exit, and produces a bi-monthly newsletter, TimeLines, which provides up-to-date information to members on issues relating to our mission.

Chapter Development: Hemlock assists in the development of local chapters throughout the country by providing technical support, up-to-date information, mailing services, and public speakers.

Legal and Legislative: Hemlock acts as a clearinghouse for information and legislation, court cases and other legal activity relative to physician aid-in-dying. The Society encourages members to initiate and participate in local political processes to further the mission of Hemlock.

Intervention and Referrals: Hemlock provides telephone crisis intervention to callers in need of a forum for open and honest discussion of right-to-die issues, as well as making referrals to appropriate organizations in cases where callers are depressed and/or suicidal, or unaware of resources.

Annual Conference: Hemlock sponsors a national conference dedicated to right-to-die issues each year. Nationally recognized speakers and authorities present cutting-edge addresses on the issues surrounding Death with Dignity

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