What is the best place to get information about physician-assisted suicide (PAS) in Oregon?

Best Sources for Information About Physician-Assisted Suicide in Oregon

The Oregon Health Authority website is the most authoritative and comprehensive source for official information about physician-assisted suicide in Oregon, providing access to annual reports, legal requirements, and forms related to the Death with Dignity Act.

Official Government Resources

• Oregon Health Authority (OHA): The primary and most reliable source for information about Oregon's Death with Dignity Act
  • Provides annual statistical reports dating back to 1998
  • Contains official forms and requirements for physicians and patients
  • Offers guidance on the legal process and eligibility criteria

Medical and Legal Resources

Professional Organizations

• American College of Physicians (ACP) provides ethical guidance and position papers on physician-assisted suicide 1
• American College of Chest Physicians offers clinical practice guidelines that address end-of-life care including assisted suicide requests 1

Academic and Research Sources

• Archives of Internal Medicine has published research on Oregonians' reasons for requesting physician aid in dying 2
• The New England Journal of Medicine offers data on physicians' experiences with the Oregon Death with Dignity Act 3

Understanding the Oregon Experience

Oregon was the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide through the Death with Dignity Act, implemented in 1997 1. Key facts about the Oregon experience include:

• Most patients requesting physician-assisted suicide cite concerns about:

  • Loss of autonomy (97%)
  • Loss of dignity (92%)
  • Decreasing ability to participate in enjoyable activities (86%) 1
  • Control over circumstances of death and dying at home 2

• Physical symptoms at the time of request are typically rated as less important than concerns about future symptoms 2

• Approximately 1 in 6 requests for lethal medication prescriptions are granted, and about 1 in 10 requests result in suicide 3

Important Considerations

Patient Demographics

• The majority of patients who have used the law have been:
  • Older adults (median age 71 years) 4
  • College educated (many with higher education) 4
  • Insured and receiving hospice care 4
  • Diagnosed with cancer, ALS, or COPD 4

Safeguards in the Process

• Oregon's law includes several safeguards:
  • Requires confirmation of terminal illness by a second physician
  • Mandates assessment of decision-making capacity
  • Includes waiting periods between requests
  • Requires patients to self-administer the medication 1

Common Pitfalls When Seeking Information

• Terminology confusion: Various terms (aid in dying, medical aid in dying, physician-assisted death) are used, which can complicate research 1
• Outdated information: Laws and implementation details have evolved since 1997
• Biased sources: Many information sources have strong ideological positions on this topic

Practical Guidance

When seeking information about physician-assisted suicide in Oregon:

1. Start with the Oregon Health Authority website for official information
2. Consult with healthcare professionals familiar with the Oregon Death with Dignity Act
3. Review peer-reviewed research from medical journals for objective data
4. Consider consulting with advocacy organizations while recognizing potential bias
5. For legal questions, seek guidance from attorneys specializing in healthcare law

Remember that while the law provides a framework, implementation varies across healthcare settings, and individual physicians may choose not to participate based on their ethical positions 1, 3.