Across the US, assisted dying – which some critics prefer to call assisted suicide – is legal in 10 states, as well as in Washington DC. Oregon was one of the first places in the world to offer help to die for some patients, in 1997, and so has more than 25 years’ experience. It has become the model on which other US assisted dying laws have been framed.
In Oregon, assisted dying is open to terminally ill, external, mentally competent adults expected to die within six months – and must be signed off by two doctors. Since 1997, external, 4,274 people have received a prescription for a lethal dose of medication – with 2,847 (67%) deaths.
Two thirds of patients in the state, external who asked for help to die last year had cancer. Around one in 10 had a neurological condition and about the same proportion had heart disease. Of the 367 patients who took a lethal dose of medication last year, the vast majority (91.6%) said loss of autonomy was a key concern, external, while others cited:
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Loss of dignity – 234 patients (63.8%)
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Losing control of bodily functions – 171 (46.6%)
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Concern about being a burden on family and friends – 159 (43.3%)
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Inadequate pain control – 126 (34.3%)
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Financial implications of treatment – 30 (8.2%)
In Oregon, as in other US states that permit assisted dying, the lethal medication must be self-administered – the same is proposed in England and Wales. Around one in three of those prescribed a lethal dose don’t go ahead with it.
Oregon is important for supporters of assisted dying in England and Wales as they point out it has remained restricted to terminally ill adults since its introduction. However, opponents say some of the rules have been relaxed. A residency requirement has been lifted, which means it is open to people from outside the state. The number of assisted deaths has also risen substantially over the years.