LONG BEACH, Wash. — A growing number of terminally ill residents have chosen to die on their own terms since the Death with Dignity Act went into effect in 2009. However, a recent report suggests that few minority, lower-income and rural Washington residents have taken advantage of the law. It may be more difficult for residents in rural parts of the state, including Pacific County, to participate because they don’t have easy access to participating doctors and pharmacists.
Another end-of-life option
Washington is one of just four states where “aid in dying” (sometimes called “physician-assisted suicide”) is legal. Under state law (which is modeled after Oregon’s 1997 Death With Dignity Act) a mentally sound person who is within six months of dying from a terminal condition can request a lethal dose of medication. The process requires approval from two physicians, as well as a pharmacist who is willing to dispense the lethal drugs. In some cases, a psychological evaluation is also required to ensure the person is competent to make the decision.
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