Death with Dignity Around the U.S.

Updated as of February 22, 2012

With the 13 years of data showing Oregon's Death with Dignity law is safe and utilized the way it was intended with no evidence of a slippery slope for vulnerable Oregonians and since our win in Washington in 2008, bills which seek to improve end-of-life care have been introduced in state legislatures around the country.

State legislators have the Oregon and Washington laws to use as a guide. While many bills are drafted each year, the majority fail. Some consider it a failure that most bills do not end up becoming law, but we view these bills as a testament to the growing support of the Death with Dignity movement, the will of the public, and the strength of Oregon's and Washington's model legislation.

Below is a summary of the status of current Death with Dignity-related legislation in the US.

Georgia
Bill Number House Bill 1114
Bill title Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A.
Summary Would make it a felony to "knowingly and willfully" assist another person in committing suicide.
Date Introduced 2/21/12
Latest update Introduced with five sponsors.

Hawaii
Bill Numbers Senate Bill 803 and House Bill 1383
Bill title Death with Dignity
Summary Introduces legislation similar to the Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.
Date Introduced 1/21/11 to the Senate and 1/26/11 to the House
Latest update Carried over to 2012 Regular Session on 12/1/11.

Massachusetts
Bill Number House Bill 2233
Bill title Allow for physician assisted suicide for qualified patients to end their lives.
Summary Introduces legislation similar to the Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.
Date Introduced 1/24/11
Latest update Hearing scheduled for 03/06/2012 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2.
Bill Number House Bill 3884
Bill title An Act Relative to Death with Dignity
Summary Initiative petition of Marcia Angell and others for the passage of An Act relative to death with dignity
Date Introduced 1/17/12
Latest update Hearing scheduled for 03/06/2012 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2.

Pennsylvania
Bill Number Senate Bill 431
Bill title An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for procedures regarding the request and dispensation of lethal medication to patients seeking to die in a dignified and humane manner
Summary Introduces legislation similar to the Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.
Date Introduced 2/7/11
Latest update Referred to Judiciary committee on 2/7/11. Bill is active for consideration.

Vermont
Bill Numbers Senate Bill 103 and House Bill 274
Bill title Patient Choice and Control at End of Life
Summary Introduces legislation similar to the Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.
Date Introduced 2/16/11 in the House and to the Senate on 3/29/11.
Latest update Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary on 3/29/11 and the House Committee on Human Services on 2/17/11. Bill is active for consideration.

Did we miss one? Contact Melissa with updates on your state.

Defend dignity. Take action.

You are the key to ensuring well-crafted Death with Dignity laws for all Americans. With your financial and volunteer help, the Death with Dignity National Center, a 501(c)(3), non-partisan, non-profit organization, has been the leading advocate in the death with dignity movement. Member contributions helped us pass a new Death with Dignity law in Washington, defend the Oregon law, and provide education and outreach programs for the vitality of the death with dignity movement.

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Who We Are

Capitol BuildingThe Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund partners with the Death with Dignity National Center and conducts lobbying and political activities in order to achieve the enactment of Death with Dignity laws in other states.

Learn more about efforts to bring dignity to people around the nation.

History

The Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund (the Fund) began in 1993 as Oregon Right to Die, a state political action committee, formed to help pass the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. The Death with Dignity Act was tied up by legal challenges and a legislative repeal effort until the fall of 1997.

In late 2001, Oregon Right to Die changed its name and tax status to become the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund. This effort was undertaken so the organization could more easily combine its political strengths with the Death with Dignity National Center. Together these organizations are positioned to lead the charge in the death with dignity movement.

Learn more about the Fund and our family of organizations.

Patients & Families

family timeThe Death with Dignity National Center was formed out of a profound commitment to the idea that personal end-of-life decisions should be made solely between a patient and a physician. We are pleased to provide you with support and information as you face the difficult challenges ahead.

Access resources for patients and families.

Research Center

person doing researchWe have compiled a comprehensive collection of legal briefs, journal articles, and newspaper clippings. We invite you to explore the wide array of information we have collected throughout our history.

Dive into the archives of the National Center.