Rotary Meeting Notes for Oct. 2, 2018
Jan Rowe and Laurel Miller discussed the end of life choices and presented information on the history and effect of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.
Recommended movie on subject, “Being Mortal”
The purpose of the Death with Dignity Act is to be able to control one’s dying with self-medication and should not be looked at as euthanasia which is Kevorkian style Dr. administered.
- requires (2) Physicians to confirm that the patient is terminally ill
- Oregon Resident
- Self-Administered
- Life Insurance benefits are not affected
- Takes a minimum of 17 days but usually a month to get a prescription
2/3 of lethal prescriptions are used, 1/3 are not. There has not yet been a case of an accidental user using the lethal prescription
Average age is 73, 58% are male, 95% are Caucasian, 50% hold a bachelor degree.
If someone is desiring to use the Oregon Death with Dignity process they should have it in their Advanced Directive and
already make sure their Physician is willing as it is not federally allowed, and make sure your family and friends are aware of your desire.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond Kistler
