More people using Oregon suicide law

PORTLAND — The number of Oregonians who used the state's assisted-suicide law rose to its highest level in 2007, its 10th year in effect.

According to a report released Tuesday by the Oregon Department of Human Services, more people are getting the lethal prescriptions allowed under the Death with Dignity Act, but as in the past, not all take them.

The report shows that 85 people got the prescriptions in 2007, up by 20 from the year before. And 49 people died under the terms of the law, up by three from the year before.

Oregon's law allows terminally ill, mentally competent adults to give themselves a life-ending medication prescribed by a physician. Oregon is the only state in the nation with such a law.

Supporters say the decade of evidence shows the law is safe and provides comfort and choices to those in need.

"It's not about the numbers," said Barbara Combs Lee, president of Compassion & Choices, the nonprofit organization that sponsored the law and works with patients. "It's about the promise of peace and comfort. ... That can be the takeaway from Oregon's experience."

But opponents say the report shows a large increase in annual deaths since the law's implementation — 15 died under the law in its first year.

Opponents also pointed out that no psychiatric evaluations were ordered by doctors in 2007, while arguing that anyone who chooses suicide is suffering from depression.

According to the law, if a physician thinks a patient's judgment is impaired by a psychiatric or psychological disorder, the patient must be referred for a psychological examination.

"I was actually pretty horrified by it [the report]," said Gayle Atteberry, executive director of Oregon Right to Life. "It's becoming assisted suicide on demand, no stops, no safeguards."

Since the law went into effect, 341 patients have died under its terms.

Each year, data on the law's use indicate people who use it are predominantly white, older and well-educated. Most suffer from cancer.

The most common end-of-life concerns expressed are loss of autonomy, loss of dignity and a decreasing ability to participate in activities they enjoy.

But this year, the gap between when people got a prescription and when they used it grew significantly. The average length of time in 2007 was two weeks, compared with six days in prior years.

"Many people find comfort in the choice," Combs said. "Very few people exercise that choice."