According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Death with Dignity act “allows terminally-ill Oregonians to end their lives through the voluntary self administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose” ( Oregon.gov). This act comes with various pros and cons.
The act allows patients to have a peace of mind, knowing that they will be able to end their lives with dignity and less pain for them and their families. The act has also instigated physicians to develop more knowledge and skill regarding pain care as well as increase the chances that patients will be able to receive that care. Abuse has been a major concern regarding this act but proponents of it have argued that the participants follow strict guidelines regarding the conditions in participating. These conditions include being well informed about their situations, having good healthcare, as well as being financially and mentally stable. In addition, no HMO’s or medical insurance company can participate in the process (Oregon.gov).
Many have come out against this act though. They argue that the act allows the doctors to break their Hippocratic Oath that says to “First, do no harm,” by providing lethal prescriptions to patients. The act grants a legal immunity to the physician for doing this and does not have anything regarding if the physician does not comply to the patients request. Also, the act does not require that the physician disclose the reasoning of the patients’ request. This can cause problems because the act does not cover depressed or mentally ill patients.
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