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Assisted Suicide in Oregon: Deaths More Widespread.
Oregon's 2002 official report on assisted suicide within the state found that 38 people died by doctor's prescription, up from 21 officially reported for 2001. This represents a 57% increase over 2001 and almost two and half times the number of assisted suicides that occurred in 1998, the first year the "Death with Dignity Act" was in place.
Despite claims by euthanasia proponents that assisted suicide would be used only in dire circumstances, as a "last resort," 84% of those who killed themselves with lethal drugs were motivated by fear of "losing autonomy," according to the official report. Over a third (37%) feared being a burden on family, friends, or caregivers.
Under provisions of the act, state health officials are required to issue the reports, based on death certificates, interviews, and reports filed by doctors and pharmacies. They have compiled an annual report for five years.
Who committed assisted suicide in Oregon?
The official report for 2002 found that 38 of the 39 victims were white; seven in ten were men; the average age was 69; and the three most commonly cited motives were loss of autonomy (84%), a decreasing ability to enjoy activities (84%), and loss of control of body functions (47%). In addition, 26% feared inadequate pain control.
"Tragically," said Burke J. Balch, J.D., director of the National Right to Life Committee's Department of Medical ethics, "the report just released fulfills the fears of euthanasia opponents that once assisted suicide is accepted for `hard cases' it will spread to more and more circumstances until it is justified as just another `choice,' an exercise of `autonomy.'"
Balch also noted that over a quarter feared inadequate pain control. "In modern medicine, there is no need for anyone to suffer uncontrolled pain," he said. "We should be working to improve access to existing means of pain relief, not killing those in pain. It is also troubling that over a third feared being a `burden' on family, friends, or caregivers."
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Source: HighBeam Research, Assisted Suicide in Oregon: Deaths More Widespread.