How can people at the end of life be supported in a way that respects their autonomy and dignity? What role do compassion, personal grief, and non-judgmental counseling play? And what experiences have other countries had with regulations governing assisted suicide?
With its new newsletter, “Humanes Lebensende” (A Humane End of Life), the Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association will now provide quarterly updates on humanist perspectives, current debates, and practical resources related to dying, death, grief, and self-determination. The first issue was published in September.
At the heart of the humanistic understanding of the end of life is the individual human being, with his or her dignity, will, and personality. The article “Motivation: Love of Humanity” explores what love of humanity means at the end of life and how it is connected to the humanistic ideal of self-determination. Read the article on diesseits.de
A memorial service can also serve as an expression of this sentiment. A humanist memorial service does not follow a prescribed liturgy. Instead, it focuses on the deceased person—their life, relationships, unique qualities, and personal stories. Read the article on diesseits.de
How can suicide prevention, hospice care, and counseling for people seeking assisted suicide be reconciled? This also involves the importance of non-directive counseling that allows room for the individual wishes and life circumstances of those affected. Read the article on diesseits.de
The legal treatment of assisted suicide also varies from country to country. The Netherlands and Switzerland have developed their own legal models. This article presents the various regulations and provides an overview of the respective legal frameworks. Read the article on diesseits.de
In addition, this issue highlights projects and initiatives that focus on a self-determined approach to dying and death. These include a coming-of-age ceremony workshop organized by the Humanist Association of Germany | Hesse, which invites young people to explore death and grief; the Oldenburg Working Group on Self-Determined Dying; and TransPiz Berlin, the outpatient hospice service of the Humanist Association of Berlin-Brandenburg for young adults. The newsletter is supplemented by cultural and reading recommendations related to grief, saying goodbye, and coping with loss.
Anyone who would like to stay informed about new articles, background information, and developments related to end-of-life care can subscribe to the newsletter on the website of the Humanist Association of Germany. The next issue will be published in December.
