In February of 2024, California State Senator Catherine Blackspear introduced Senate Bill 1196 to expand access to Medical Aid in Dying. Click here to read the fact sheet. The bill was the direct result of tireless activism by A Better Exit, a grassroots political advocacy group founded by Hemlock Society members.

The proposed text of SB 1196 included the following provisions:

• Eliminate the requirement that a person must be within six months of death.
• Include the option of an intravenous method for self-administering the life-ending drugs.
• Make Medical Aid In Dying available to people with early to mid-stage dementia who have decision-making capacity.
• Remove the California residency requirement, a requirement that two states have already eliminated.
• Remove the 2031 sunset date for the End of Life Option Act.

Unfortunately, SB 1196 was pulled from consideration just days before a scheduled hearing before the Health Committee. But the quest for expanding the California End of Life Option Act is far from over. This temporary setback was expected and the objections from powerful voices in the end-of-life area will be addressed in future legislative efforts.

Join us on Zoom to hear from the advocates about their ongoing endeavor to make Medical Aid in Dying available to more Californians, and what you can do to support their efforts.

Register for the Webinar: Click Here

Read the opposition letter from the Compassion & Choices: SB1196_CM_LetterOfOpposition04.09.24.docx

Read the opposition letter from the California Medical Association:  SB_1196_Sen._Health_Oppose_Letter_4.12.24

Movie lovers, it’s almost time for another gathering with our Hemlock friends for the Right-to-Die Film Series!

When:       Sunday, June 16th from 1:30 to 4:30pm
Where:      North University Community Library
8821 Judicial Drive
San Diego, CA 92122

Our June selection is “Guzaarish”, an uplifting and gorgeously-made movie from India in English that deals with hope, magic, and life. Ethan Mascarenhas, formerly the world’s greatest magician, has been quadriplegic since a performance went wrong 14 years before. For the past 12 years Ethan’s health has been relatively stable, largely due to the relentless dedication of his nurse, Mrs Sofia D’Souza. He lives and works at his home, spreading new magic to millions of people with his irrepressible wit and spirit through books he has written and his radio show. But now his internal organs are failing. To avoid permanent hospitalization and machine life-support, Ethan petitions a court to be legally allowed to die. Ethan’s request – his ‘guzaarish’ – shocks everyone in his world, but especially threatens his relationship with Sofia, who is the core of his existence. Click Here to Watch the Trailer

There is no charge for this event and we’ll even provide refreshments. Ample free parking is available at the library. After the film we will break into small groups for discussion. This part was very well-received at our April film.  All are welcome, so please help us spread the word and invite your family, friends, and colleagues.

Register for the Zoom link HERE