The Death With Dignity Act
Overview of Oregon's Physician-Assisted Suicide Law
The Oregon Death With Dignity Act (DWDA) was a citizens’ initiative first passed by Oregon voters in November 1994 with 51 percent in favor. Implementation was delayed by a legal injunction, but after proceedings that included a petition denied by the United States Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the injunction on October 27, 1997. In November 1997, a measure asking Oregon voters to repeal the DWDA was placed on the general election ballot. Voters rejected this measure by a margin of 60 percent to 40 percent. After voters reaffirmed the DWDA in 1997, Oregon became the…
