Observations on the first year: a commentary.

Abstract

Physician-assisted suicide has been incorporated into the end-of-life care continuum responsibility in Oregon. Because systems for end-of-life care were well established before the implementation of the Death with Dignity Act, potential problems with the law have been anticipated and prevented or diverted. Hospice services and comfort care are accessible throughout Oregon. Hospice care is offered to terminally ill Oregonians and their families without regard to an individual's intent to ask, or not ask, his or her doctor for a lethal prescription. No Oregonian has to choose between hospice and physician-assisted suicide.