Death with Dignity Acts in Oregon and Washington

Margaret K. Dore (attorney, Seattle, WA) recently published her article entitled ‘Death with Dignity’: A Recipe for Elder Abuse and Homicide (albeit not by name), 11 Marq. Elder’s Advisor 387 (2010). The introduction is below:

Death with Dignity Acts in Oregon and Washington authorize physicians to write life‐ending prescriptions for their patients. Oregon’s Act went into effect thirteen years ago. Washington’s Act was passed as a citizen’s initiative in 2008 and went into effect in 2009. Both Acts are touted as providing “choice” and “control” for end‐of‐life decisions. During Washington’s election, the “For Statement” in the voters’ pamphlet declared: “Only the patient – and no one else – may administer the [lethal dose].” Washington’s Act, however, does not say this anywhere. In fact, neither Act even requires the patient’s consent when the lethal dose is administered. This problem and other problems are discussed below.