The Oregon Death with Dignity Law

Four Years of Responsible Implementation

Feb. 6, 2002

Statistics released today

Embargoed until 2PM PST

Portland, OR�At 2 PM (PST) today, the Oregon Department of Human Services released their 4th Annual Report on the Death with Dignity law.� This report analyzes and summarizes the characteristics of the Oregonians who used the law in 2001.� Scott Swenson, Executive Director of Oregon Death with Dignity, the Portland-based legal defense and public education nonprofit, explained, �This report demonstrates-for the fourth consecutive year-that the law works.� Oregon�s law is the catalyst for end-of-life care reforms.� The federal government should not mess with Oregon�s success.��

Some of the report�s findings include:

  • 21 patients used the law in 2001 (6 fewer than the previous 2 years and less than one-tenth of one percent of all deaths in Oregon in 2001)
  • 44 prescriptions were written by 33 physicians
  • The 21 Oregonians were demographically similar to those who used the law in previous years
  • Cancer was the most common underlying illness
  • Loss of autonomy and a diminished ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable, were the two most frequently cited end-of-life concerns
  • Most patients were able to die at home.

According to state epidemiologist Dr. Katrina Hedberg, death with dignity, though a rarely chosen end-of-life option is a crucial element and source of insight in the national discussion on end-of-life care.�

For more information on this report, contact�Dr. Hedberg at the Oregon Department of Human Services: (503) 731.4273.

For up-to-the minute information on the Oregon death with Dignity law, its requirements, end-of-life care, and the ramifications of federal intrusion, please visit us on the web at www.dwd.org.

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Defend dignity. Take action.

You are the key to ensuring well-crafted Death with Dignity laws for all Americans. With your financial and volunteer help, the Death with Dignity National Center, a 501(c)(3), non-partisan, non-profit organization, has been the leading advocate in the death with dignity movement. Member contributions helped us pass a new Death with Dignity law in Washington, defend the Oregon law, and provide education and outreach programs for the vitality of the death with dignity movement.

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About Death with Dignity

The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one's own desires and beliefs. From advance directives to physician-assisted dying, death with dignity is a movement to provide options for the dying to control their own end-of-life care.

Death with Dignity National Center is the leader in this movement, successfully establishing, advancing and defending the landmark Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.

Learn more about our family of organizations.

Political Action Fund

Capitol BuildingThe Death with Dignity National Center partners with the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund to conduct lobbying and political activities in order to achieve the enactment of Death with Dignity laws in other states.

Learn more about the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund.

Patients & Families

family timeThe Death with Dignity National Center was formed out of a profound commitment to the idea that personal end-of-life decisions should be made solely between a patient and a physician. We are pleased to provide you with support and information as you face the difficult challenges ahead.

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Research Center

person studyingWe have compiled a comprehensive collection of legal briefs, journal articles, and newspaper clippings. We invite you to explore the wide array of information we have collected throughout our history.

Dive into the archives of the National Center.