Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and a "Death With Dignity"

Area of Science:

• Medical Law
• Neurology
• Bioethics

Background:

• The Oregon Death With Dignity Act permits terminally ill patients with a prognosis of six months or less to obtain a prescription for medication to end their life.
• The Act mandates specific procedures, including two verbal requests separated by two weeks and a written request, for patients seeking medical aid in dying.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge regarding the barriers faced by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in accessing Death With Dignity (DWD) provisions.
• To address the need for potential adjustments to existing DWD laws and provide recommendations for states considering similar legislation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on DWD laws and their application to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Analysis of specific challenges encountered by ALS patients in meeting DWD eligibility criteria.

Main Results:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients face significant barriers to utilizing DWD laws.
• Key challenges include maintaining informed consent capacity, potential cognitive impairment due to dementia, and the rapid progression of ALS limiting self-administration time.

Conclusions:

• Existing Death With Dignity laws may not adequately accommodate the specific needs and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Adjustments to DWD legislation are recommended to ensure equitable access for terminally ill patients with ALS.