Death with Dignity is a movement that began in the 1990’s. The purpose of this legislation is to provide a safe, effective and above all, meaningful death to those with a terminal illness. It allows patients to voluntarily and legally request and receive prescription medication to hasten their death in a peaceful, humane and dignified manner.
Oregon was the first state to pass the Death with Dignity act in 1994. Since that date and as of the date of this writing, June 2023, only 8 states have legalized physician assisted dying and 6 states are pending legislation.
All of the states with current legislation legalizing death with dignity have the following 3 common requirements:
- at least 18 years old
- mentally capable of making and communicating health care decisions, and
- diagnosed with a terminal illness that will result in death within six months.
- have the ability to consume medication, you must be able to take the medication yourself. No U.S. states allow doctors to administer lethal medication directly. They can only prescribe the medication.
Of the 8 states that have current legislation legalizing death with dignity, all but 2, Vermont and Oregon, also have residency requirements.
From this point forward, each state, individually, have additional requirements. A patient who meets the above mentioned requirements will be prescribed aid-in-dying medication if they complete the individual state requirements. This information can be reviewed at; https://www.nolo.com/
Death with Dignity various other terms. These include:
- physician-assisted death
- physician-assisted dying
- aid in dying
- physician aid in dying
- medial aid in dying
Any physician licensed to practice in a “death with dignity state” is allowed to participate, if they agree. However, the law also states that every physician has the choice not to participate. There are no list of healthcare providers who willingly participate in the assisted-dying process. This is for confidentiality and safety reasons. The participation of the provider must be voluntary. It is suggested you speak with any of your health care providers and ask if they are willing to participate and also refer another provider also willing to participate. You will need a prescribing doctor and another to confirm the diagnosis and prognosis.
The location where you choose to take the prescribed medication is up to you. However, it is recommended you do not take it in a public place or a different state in which you received the prescription. Both of these circumstances result in negative consequences.
The patient is allowed to change their mind after receiving the prescription but prior to ingesting it. However, any and all unused medication must be properly disposed of. Each state may have specific instructions necessary for the proper disposal. It is best to check with your state or any hospice you may have at the time.
For additional information regarding frequently asked questions, I recommend, https://deathwithdignity.org/resources/faqs/
Death with dignity website also has a life file check list. This is a list of the “how, what and where” to ensure your loved ones can take care of your affairs after you have moved forward. Creating a life file may seem overwhelming, but you can take your time completing it and once it is complete you will have a greater peace of mind. You can download that check list here: https://deathwithdignity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/life-file-checklist-web.pdf
Like most discussions about death, Death with dignity is an option that is not openly discussed. All options should be openly discussed so that we are able to make an informed decision as to how we would like to move forward.
Do you support Death with Dignity? Why or why not?
Best Wishes
Best Wishes
