Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted death in 1997 when it enacted the Death With Dignity Act. The law allows terminally ill residents of Oregon to end their lives through voluntary self-administration of lethal medication prescribed by a doctor.

In Oregon, as in Washington, where a similar law went into effect in 2009, more people have taken advantage of the act over time, according to statistics released by the state.



Lindsey Cook for USN&WR; Source: Oregon Public Health Division

Between 1998 and 2014, the age range of patients was 25-96. The median age of those who were prescribed the medication and used it to assist in death was 71. Most patients are between 65 and 74 years old.

Lindsey Cook for USN&WR; Source: Oregon Public Health Division

Ninety-seven percent of patients who have died from lethal medication since the law took effect were white, consistent with figures from last year alone that showed 95 percent of patients were white. According to the Census, the state of Oregon is 77 percent white. Hispanics, who made up 12 percent of the population in 2013 represented about 1 percent of patients.

Lindsey Cook for USN&WR; Source: Oregon Public Health Division

Compared to the Oregon population, patients who use physician-assisted death in Oregon are more educated.

Lindsey Cook for USN&WR; Source: Oregon Public Health Division

Most patients who use the Death With Dignity Act have cancer.

Lindsey Cook for USN&WR; Source: Oregon Public Health Division

Patients are most concerned with losing autonomy and not being able to engage in activities that make life enjoyable.