This document contains witness testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the dilemma faced by the terminally ill. Opening statements are included from Congressmen Roybal, Henry, Hughes, Gordon, Wortley, Hammerschmidt, and Snowe. Jacob Javits, former United States Senator, testifies, as a terminally ill person himself, on the need for federal and state legislation supporting an individual's right to die, and on the usefulness of living wills and durable powers-of-attorney. Javits also suggests possibilities for dealing with the inequities of the cost which brings about inequities in medical treatment. Edward D. Viner, head of the hematology/oncology section of Pennsylvania Hospital, describes both his work in the development of hospice care and his experience as a critically ill patient. Viner calls for innovation and experimentation with hospice care and other comprehensive services for the ill and dying, and for the development of stable patterns of funding, staffing, and regulation. The final two witnesses, Mae Chertkoff and Dean Bowman, are participants in the Close Up Foundation Government Studies Program for Older Americans who tell of their personal experiences. Questions and answers are included and six appendices contain relevant statements and materials submitted for the record. (NB)