Mitchell Hamline Professor Thaddeus Pope’s Leadership in End-of-Life Law and Advocacy
Throughout 2024, Professor Thaddeus Pope was a prominent figure in advancing the conversation surrounding end-of-life liberty, both through his advocacy and scholarly contributions. His continued leadership in this vital field has been reflected in numerous publications, presentations, and public engagements.
As an advocate, Pope testified four times before the Minnesota House of Representatives on legislation concerning medical aid in dying (MAID), influencing critical conversations about end-of-life choices at the state level. Internationally, he has continued to make a global impact, serving as an expert witness in South African litigation advocating for a constitutional right to MAID. Pope also made waves as a plenary speaker at the World Federation Right to Die Conference in Dublin, Ireland, where he shared his expertise with a global audience. Domestically, Pope consulted with hospitals and professional societies across the country, helping shape medical decision-making guidelines and policies that influence the healthcare landscape.
As a scholar, Pope’s contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he published over 30 articles and book chapters on topics such as MAID, VSED, palliative sedation, brain death, and other pressing health law issues. His groundbreaking research garnered over 600 citations this year, further solidifying his influence in the field. Pope also presented his research at more than 25 academic conferences, including chairing the Fourth International Conference on End-of-Life Law Ethics and Policy at the University of Utah. His work received significant attention in mainstream media, with nearly two dozen appearances in major outlets such as NPR and The New York Times, where he shared his insights on critical matters related to end-of-life law.
Pope’s commitment to advancing knowledge is also seen in his substantial body of publications, which in 2024 included articles in prestigious journals like JAMA Internal Medicine, The American Journal of Bioethics, and Hastings Center Report. Some highlights include “International Comparison of Underlying Disease among Recipients of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)” and “Medical Aid in Dying: Time for Evidence-based Legislation”, which have informed both policy and clinical practice in significant ways. His ongoing work on medical futility and ethical dilemmas in healthcare decision-making continues to shape discussions on patient autonomy and healthcare quality.
Ranked among the Top 20 most-cited health law scholars in the United States, Professor Pope has authored over 300 publications in leading medical, bioethics, and law journals. Pope is renowned as a foremost expert in medical law and clinical ethics, with a particular focus on patient rights, healthcare decision-making, and end-of-life options. As a Hastings Center Fellow, former Fulbright Scholar, and Brocher Foundation Researcher, Pope’s expertise continues to influence both academic and practical domains.
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