Hemlock Society of San Diego

Hemlock Society of San Diego The Hemlock Society of San Diego is 501(c)(3) Right-to-Die organization providing education on end-of-life choices. and even beyond.

The Hemlock Society of San Diego is a 36 y/o nonprofit organization providing free education about end of life choices and how to prepare for a peaceful death. We hold free public meetings on Zoom six times a year (on odd-numbered months) with expert guest speakers. These meetings are videorecorded and available for viewing on our website and YouTube channel. The Right to Die Film Series is held o

n alternate months six times per year (on even-numbered months). We show and discuss a free film at a local library. Additionally, we provide individual counseling relating to the end-of-life in a professional, confidential, and compassionate manner at no cost via email, phone, or in person. HSSD supports options for a humane, self-determined death by contributing to campaigns for law reform, legal defense, and the World Federation of Right to Die Societies. We were presented at Jack Kevorkian's trial and raised funds for his defense. Paid members receive a bimonthly newsletter with information about worldwide right-to-die developments six times a year. HSSD brings like-minded people together for small group workshops and and discussions. Members also have access to free resource information such as international books, pamphlets, and DVDs. HSSD offers speakers on the end of life choices to community organizations at no cost. We have spoken at hospices, churches, retirment homes, civic organizations, and professional organizations. We are the oldest Right-to-Die organization in the U.S. and the only remaining chapter of the Hemlock Society USA. Thanks to technology, our outreach has expanded across the U.S.

California Sen. Blakespear’s Legislation to Strengthen End-of-Life Care Protections Goes to Governor
08/29/2026

California Sen. Blakespear’s Legislation to Strengthen End-of-Life Care Protections Goes to Governor

SB 1088 clarifies end-of-life care directives, so Californians get the medical care they want when they can no longer express their wishes SACRAMENTO – The

Here is the video of our most recent meeting, Understanding VSED, recorded Sunday, August 28th. Many thanks to the speak...
08/28/2026

Here is the video of our most recent meeting, Understanding VSED, recorded Sunday, August 28th. Many thanks to the speakers!

August 23, 2026.Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is...

Understanding VSED will be live on Zoom today at 1:30pm Pacific Time. This meeting is free and open to all. Register for...
08/23/2026

Understanding VSED will be live on Zoom today at 1:30pm Pacific Time. This meeting is free and open to all.

Register for the Zoom link:

Join the Hemlock Society of San Diego for a thoughtful discussion featuring three unique perspectives on VSED. Laura Carroll shares her story of assisting her 86-year-old father's VSED end-of-life choice. With support of a doctor, hospice, and concierge nursing care he was able to end his life on hi...

08/18/2026

Are you looking for an engaging and meaningful speaker for your club, congregation, retirement community, or community organization?

The Hemlock Society of San Diego offers free educational presentations on end-of-life choices, in person or virtual, designed to inform, inspire, and encourage thoughtful discussion. Our knowledgeable volunteer speakers provide compassionate, nonpartisan information about planning for the end of life, advance healthcare directives, medical aid in dying, hospice and palliative care, and how individuals can communicate their wishes with loved ones.

These presentations are appropriate for:

Service clubs
Faith communities
Senior centers and retirement communities
Book clubs
Community organizations
Healthcare and caregiver groups

Our goal is to empower people with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their own end-of-life care while respecting the values and beliefs of others.

Presentations can be tailored to your group's interests and include time for questions and discussion. There is no fee for our speakers.

Help your members start one of life's most important conversations. To schedule a free presentation or learn more, contact us at:

Email: [email protected] Phone: 619-233-4418

Another great talk by Thaddeus Pope.  He talks about VSED, MAiD, Minimal Comfort Feeding, unrepresented patients (and th...
08/17/2026

Another great talk by Thaddeus Pope. He talks about VSED, MAiD, Minimal Comfort Feeding, unrepresented patients (and the time and money required to obtain a guardian, although he leaves out the sometimes abused Emergency Guardianships), and the value of POLSTs.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/38L8QaPUHIF57I7d1pt9yY

Advocates of Aging · Episode

The sad truth for too many people.
08/10/2026

The sad truth for too many people.

Rusty Martin expects to end his life in Switzerland on August 18.

New Zeland man took 86 days to die with VSED."VSED is a desperation choice. People don't choose to stop eating and drink...
08/08/2026

New Zeland man took 86 days to die with VSED.
"VSED is a desperation choice. People don't choose to stop eating and drinking because it's preferable. They choose it because they believe every other humane option has been closed to them."
https://www.stuff.co.nz/health/361014985/ricks-law-fight-change-nzs-assisted-dying-rules-after-86-day-death?fbclid=IwY2xjawTkC49wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAGJyaWQRMUExMXFwdzdmSHg5SEE2ZVhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5teu7WF9K6VCEnumRoT2I2jtc8SoMK7ZvSev2aHASn9fOuIpkIUbx2W0NVU_aem_BH8pkKrFB5fbxDlOR1odGg

The ethical conundrum of dying without dignity: Why Rick Weldon’s 86-days of dying should not be in vain. He documented his journey hoping it would change NZ's laws.

08/05/2026

As of today, Medical Aid in Dying is now a legal right for qualifying patients in the State of New York.

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 5, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health announced the historic Medical Aid in Dying Law took effect today, August 5, following the establishment of guidance and proposed reporting requirements for health care facilities and physicians. The law expands end-of-life opti...

The first legal euthanasia took place in the Northern Territory of Australia (1995).   Ironically, the Northern Territor...
08/03/2026

The first legal euthanasia took place in the Northern Territory of Australia (1995). Ironically, the Northern Territory is the only remaining jurisdiction in Australia that lacks a Voluntary Assisted Dying law. This article talks about the rural nature of the Northern Territory, the difficulties of providing healthcare and the views of the 30% of the population of Aboriginal Territorians and Torres Strait Islanders .

https://www.gogentleaustralia.org.au/how_vad_in_the_nt_would_be_different_from_down_south

Address

P. O. Box 600481
San Diego, CA
92160

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