Even though the Pew Research Center has found that one-fifth (20%) of the USA public and a third (33 1/3%) of adults under 30 are religiously unaffiliated, most hospitals and hospices insist on having religious Chaplains available while ignoring the needs of non-theistic, secular humanist, atheist and agnostic patients.

While a September 2014 Pew Research report indicated that 72% of the American public has concluded that religion is losing influence in American life, the CEO’s of America’s hospitals and hospices continue to ignore this reality.

The Institute for Science and Human Values (ISHV) has been approached by nursing home directors explaining secular patients are not being provided for, by either the facility or the patients’ families. Is there a way to help?

“I have comforted those who are frightened to identify as non-theist for fear that proper medical care will be denied them when they find themselves requiring hospital and hospice stays,” states Toni Van Pelt, ISHV President. “We know many secular humanists’ wishes are denied by their families concerning burial and funeral services,” she continues.

To date there has been little discussion and less research as to how widespread these problems are and what can be done to provide support for non-theists in this greatest time of need. Join ISHV’s cadre of experienced speakers: Anne Klaeysen, Massimo Pigliucci, Final Exit, president elect, Janis Landis, D.J. Grothe, Jennifer Michael Hecht, Jamila Bey, Ana Lita, Margaret Downey, Joseph Beck, Robert Tapp, Lois Uttley, Ralph Lewis, Marcia Cohen and more as the issues and suggested solutions are explored and shared.

“Dying Without Deity”

Perspectives on Death and Dying Symposium,

Faculty House, Columbia University, New York, NY

April 10 and 11th, 2015.

Reduced Rates and Student Rates available.

Check www.ishv.net for future details and to register.