Oregon

Overview

Oregon's Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) was passed by ballot initiative (Measure 16) in 1994 and took effect October 27, 1997 after surviving legal challenges. Oregon was the first jurisdiction in the world to legalize physician-assisted death through a democratic vote.

In 2023, Oregon removed its residency requirement, making it the first (and only) US state to allow out-of-state residents to access its DWDA.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Since 2023: residency requirement removed — out-of-state patients may qualify
• Must be diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within 6 months
• Must be capable of making and communicating health care decisions
• Must make two oral requests at least 15 days apart (waiting period can be waived if death is expected sooner)
• Must submit one written request signed by two witnesses
• Two physicians must confirm diagnosis, prognosis, and decision-making capacity
• Patient must be informed of all feasible alternatives

The Process

• Patient makes first oral request to their attending physician
• Physician confirms terminal diagnosis and refers for second opinion if needed
• Patient makes second oral request (minimum 15 days later)
• Patient submits written request (signed by 2 witnesses)
• Physician writes a prescription for the approved life-ending medication
• Patient fills prescription and self-administers at a time and location of their choice
• Physician must file a report with Oregon Health Authority

Statistics (Annual Reports)

• Over 4,000 prescriptions have been written since 1997
• Approximately 65–70% of recipients use the prescription; others die of their illness first
• Median age of participants: approximately 73
• Most common diagnoses: cancer (~73%), neurological disease, heart/lung disease
• Top reasons: loss of autonomy, decreasing ability to engage in activities, loss of dignity

Key Resources

• Oregon Health Authority DWDA annual reports — oregon.gov/oha
• Death with Dignity National Center — deathwithdignity.org
• Compassion & Choices Oregon — compassionandchoices.org
• Oregon Hospice and Palliative Care Association

Legal Contacts

• Oregon Health Authority — Death with Dignity Act — Official source for annual reports, forms, frequently asked questions, and information on the DWDA request process. oregon.gov/oha (search "Death with Dignity")
• Compassion & Choices Oregon — Provides patient advocacy, physician referrals, and guidance for Oregonians navigating the DWDA process. compassionandchoices.org
• Death with Dignity National Center — Oregon-based organisation that drafted the original 1994 ballot measure; continues to provide information and referral services. deathwithdignity.org

Medical Contacts

• End of Life Washington — Serves patients across the Pacific Northwest including Oregon; provides volunteer counsellors, physician referrals, and practical support through the DWDA process. endoflifewa.org
• Oregon Hospice and Palliative Care Association — Connects patients with hospice and palliative care providers statewide for comfort-focused care alongside or instead of MAID.
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) — National resource for finding physicians trained in palliative medicine and MAID evaluation. aahpm.org

Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Oregon's Death with Dignity Act?

Adults 18 or older with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months, who are capable of making and communicating their own health-care decisions. Since 2023 Oregon no longer enforces a residency requirement, so out-of-state patients may also qualify.

Does the patient take the medication themselves?

Yes. Oregon's law authorises physician-assisted dying: the doctor prescribes the medication, but the patient must self-administer it. A physician administering the medication (euthanasia) is not permitted.

How long does the request process take?

A patient makes two oral requests at least 15 days apart and one written request signed by two witnesses; the waiting period may be shortened if death is expected sooner. Two physicians confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and decision-making capacity.

How many people use the law?

The Oregon Health Authority publishes annual reports. Historically, a substantial share of people who receive a prescription die naturally before using it, and cancer is the most common underlying diagnosis.