A critical analysis of criticisms of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act

Death Stud. 2005 Jan-Feb;29(1):1-27. doi: 10.1080/07481180590519660.

Abstract

This article critically examines the validity of common criticisms of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, primarily through reviewing published research and analyses. After summarizing the law and recent developments, 11 areas of concerns are examined: (a) the amount of data collected, (b) the availability of the data, (c) the reporting process, (d) protection of physicians, (e) terminal illness as a requirement, (f) the amount of data on palliative care interventions, (g) data on lethal prescriptions, (h) data on psychological/psychiatric evaluations, (i) whether the decision to request medication is informed, (j) whether the request is voluntary, and (k) financial factors. The authors examine each of these areas of concern and find criticisms to be unfounded given the research and analyses conducted to date.

MeSH terms

  • Death
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent / ethics
  • Informed Consent / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Informed Consent / psychology
  • Legislation, Medical / ethics
  • Mental Competency / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Mental Competency / psychology
  • Oregon
  • Palliative Care / ethics
  • Palliative Care / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Palliative Care / psychology
  • Pentobarbital / therapeutic use
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Physician's Role
  • Right to Die / ethics
  • Right to Die / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Suicide, Assisted / ethics
  • Suicide, Assisted / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Terminally Ill / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Terminally Ill / psychology

Substances

  • Pentobarbital