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Our History

The death with dignity movement gained national momentum in the 1990s. Since then, ten jurisdictions have passed death with dignity legislation, and many states are continuing to fight for death with dignity each year.

2022

2022

California SB310 goes into effect, amending the California End of Life Options Act, adding important changes to improve patient access

2021

2021

New Mexico Voters Win

New Mexico passes the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Options Act, the 10th jurisdiction to enact a death with dignity law.

2019

2019

New Jersey and Maine Voters Win

New Jersey passes the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, the 8th jurisdiction to enact a death with dignity law. Maine passes the Death with Dignity Act, the 9th jurisdiction to enact a death with dignity law. Opponents of Maine’s death with dignity law fail to collect enough signatures to overturn it.

2018

2018

Hawaii Voters Win

Hawaii passes the Our Care, Our Choice Act and becomes the 7th jurisdiction to enact a death with dignity law. In May, the California End of Life Option Act is suspended for 3 weeks following a district court ruling.

2017

2017

The D.C. Death with Dignity Act goes into effect, making it the 6th jurisdiction with access.

2016

2016

Colorado and Washington, D.C. Voters Win

2015

2015

California Voters Win

25 states and Washington, D.C. consider death with dignity bills. The California legislature passes the End of Life Option Act, the 4th jurisdiction to pass a death with dignity law.

2013

2013

Vermont Voters Win

On May 20, Vermont becomes the third U.S. jurisdiction with a death with dignity law, the first law to pass by legislative action.

2009

2009

The Washington Death with Dignity Act goes into effect in March, the second state to pass death with dignity legislation.

2008

2008

Washington Voters Win

Washington voters pass ballot initiative I-1000, the Washington Death with Dignity Act, by a margin of 51 to 49 percent.

2006

2006

The U.S. Supreme Court votes 6 to 3 to uphold Oregon’s death with dignity law on the grounds that states do not control lethal drugs. Three states introduce death with dignity bills: Arizona, Rhode Island, and Washington.

2005

2005

The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear the Attorney General’s case against the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. The Vermont Death with Dignity Act and California Compassionate Choices Act are introduced.

1998

1998

The Oregon Health Services Commission determines death with dignity medications may be covered by state funds under the Oregon Health Plan. In the first year of implementation, 16 Oregonians die taking the medication prescribed under the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.

1997

1997

Oregon Voters Win

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act takes effect on October 27 after attorneys from Death with Dignity successfully argue in front of the Ninth Circuit Court to overturn an injunction against implementation. The Act serves as the first-of-its kind legislation in the world, allowing patients with terminal illness in Oregon the right to assisted-dying.

1996

1996

An updated Gallup poll shows 75% of respondents favor death with dignity legislation, the highest support on record.

1995

1995

The Oregon Death with Dignity Legal Defense and Education Center is founded to defend Ballot Measure 16. U.S. District Judge Hogan rules that Oregon Measure 16 is unconstitutional on grounds it violates the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution.

1994

1994

First Law in the United States

Oregon voters approve Measure 16, a Death with Dignity Act ballot initiative. U.S. District Court Judge Hogan issues a temporary restraining order against Oregon’s Measure 16, following with an injunction to bar the state from putting the law into effect.

1993

1993

Oregon Right to Die is formed, and they begin working on the state’s third assisted-dying bill, which becomes a template for other states. A Harris poll shows 73% of respondents are in favor of death with dignity.

1992

1992

California introduces the California Death with Dignity Act, Proposition 161, on the state ballot.

1991

1991

Washington Initiative 119, the first voter referendum concerning death with dignity, is filed and Oregon introduces a second assisted-dying bill. A Gallup poll shows 65% of Americans support physician-assisted dying.

1989

1989

The Early Years

Oregon introduces the first assisted dying bill.

Urgent action is needed

Join our movement to help people across the country fight for their right to die on their own terms.