A new study published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine, in which clients of Compassion & Choices of Oregon participated, found that terminally-ill individuals using the Oregon Death with Dignity Act did so because they wanted to die at home, remain independent and control pain at the end of a terminal illness.

"The study's findings continue to confirm the safety and benefits of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act," said Barbara Coombs Lee, president of Compassion & Choices, the nonprofit organization that serves as the steward of the law and serves terminal patients and their families throughout the U.S.

"The Oregon study findings correspond to those of other studies. We agree with the authors that physicians should educate and reassure terminally-ill patients regarding future management of pain and other symptoms. We believe physicians should also agree to begin the aid in dying eligibility process or refer the patient to a physician who will. Optimally, the patient will be reassured about pain management, but if those efforts fail, the patient should not be trapped by unrealistic promises from a non-participating physician. We urge other states to adopt similar laws."

Compassion & Choices