Share your story
Live in this state?
Personal stories help people understand the importance of Death with Dignity legislation, and how it's being enacted.
CURRENT STATUS: ENACTED
The Oregon Death with Dignity Act went into effect on October 27, 1997.
Oregon’s ground-breaking law is the first of its kind in the United States. The law works exactly as intended and exactly for whom it was intended, clearing a path for other states to follow.
On July 13, 2023 Tina Kotek signs HB 2279 into law. The bill is effective immediately, and Oregon is the second state in the United States to remove the residency requirement from the Death with Dignity law.
On July 23, Governor Kate Brown signs into law a bill giving physicians the ability to waive the 15-day waiting period for patients who are imminently dying. The law went into effect on January 1, 2020.
The Federal Government loses its case against the Oregon law. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Oregon physicians can prescribe life-ending medication under the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.
Once again, voters approve the Oregon Death with Dignity Act after a three-year legal battle with the federal government. This time, the law passes by an even greater margin. Federal attempts to intervene will continue through 2006.
Voters approve the Oregon Death with Dignity Act by ballot.
Share your story
Personal stories help people understand the importance of Death with Dignity legislation, and how it's being enacted.