Stephen Kiernan

Investigative Journalist

Stephen Kiernan, of Vermont, is a journalist who has won 40 awards, including the Bechner Institute's Freedom of Information Award and the George Polk Award.

His book, Last Rights: Rescuing the End-of-Life from the Medical System, has been lauded as a “must read” for all Americans. Kiernan interviewed more than 200 people to tell the story of how death has changed in America. He paints an up-close and personal view of dying without dignity.

Kiernan, who is currently traveling across the country speaking about end-of-life care issues, has received high praise for his work. “With the heart of a poet and the skill of an investigative reporter, Mr. Kiernan has written a powerful examination of end-of-life care. ... Mr. Kiernan's book is a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for reform in the way our institutions relate to the dying and their families. It serves as a wake-up call. ... Kiernan is unafraid to write of misery, comfort and compassion,” according to Linda F. Piotrowski MTS NACC Cert., in Vision, the publication of the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.