Last Wednesday, March 20, the Connecticut Assembly's Public Health Committee began its consideration of a bill modeled after Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. My heart swelled as I sat with them and heard the witness of these decent, altruistic, dedicated people.

In spite of decades working with the dying and bereaved families, my familiarity with end-of-life choices, death and grief was now staring me in the face, reflecting the image of the woman who gave birth to me.

Eighteen years ago, Dr. Peter Goodwin led the fight to grant Oregonians the right to end-of-life choice. Terminally ill with a rare, fatal brain disease with no known cure, Peter exercised the right to a peaceful death he helped secure.

The Montana experience is ongoing, with aid in dying governed by standards of practice and the same regulatory procedures as all medical care. Its impact will likely reach across our nation.

Every day people die agonizing deaths from terminal illness. Every day their loved ones suffer with them.

I wonder whether dignity and pride, as perceived by the Japanese, might underlie seemingly disparate reactions to life hurdles.

Paul was still the smartest one in the room. He was taking care of us as we were struggling to comfort him. He was showing us how to die -- with dignity, humility, courage and grace.

"There's nothing more we can do." For too long, for too many, medical professionals have used these words when they believe they cannot cure their pa...

Alzheimer's Disease is a cruel insult to anyone who suffers its indignity. This is the last, lingering chapter in a story that began with my mom's paralyzing stroke 19 years ago.