A critical analysis of criticisms of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act

This article critically examines the validity of common criticisms of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, primarily through reviewing published research and analyses. After summarizing the law and recent developments, 11 areas of concerns are examined: (a) the amount of data collected, (b) the availability of the data, (c) the reporting process, (d) protection of physicians, (e) terminal illness as a requirement, (f) the amount of data on palliative care interventions, (g) data on lethal prescriptions, (h) data on psychological/psychiatric evaluations, (i) whether the decision to request medication is informed, (j) whether the request is voluntary, and (k) financial factors. The authors examine each of these areas of concern and find criticisms to be unfounded given the research and analyses conducted to date.