In January, three bills have been introduced in Oregon: two in the House and one in the Senate, all sponsored by Democrats.
The bills intend to optimize the already existing Death with Dignity Act. Suggested is to add a definition of ‘self-administer’ in the Act (which is not there yet), to expand the definiton of ‘terminal disease’ (thereby eliminating the six months term) and to create an exception to the defined waiting periods, when it comes to patients who have shorter to live.
The three bills are the following:
This bill was introduced in the House on January 14, by four Democratic representatives and three Democratic senators. The bill prohibits anyone other than patient from administering medication to end patient’s life in humane and dignified manner. Defines “self-administer.” Expands definition of “terminal disease.” Permits patient to request medication to end patient’s life in humane and dignified manner no earlier than 90 days after receiving terminal diagnosis. Creates exception to 90-day waiting period for patient with less than six months to live.
This bill was introduced in the House on January 15, by five Democratic representatives and three Democratic senators. The bill prohibits anyone other than patient from administering medication to end patient’s life in humane and dignified manner. Defines “self-administer” to include ingestion or other delivery method.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on January 14, by two Democratic senators and one Democratic representative. This bill creates an exception under Death with Dignity Act to 15-day waiting period for patient with less than 15 days to live. Creates exception to two-day waiting period for patient with less than two days to live.