A recent poll about Americans' knowledge of end-of-life care options indicates successful passage of Death with Dignity Acts could lead to better end-of-life care. Not only do 70%-77% of Oregonians and Washingtonians strongly support their states' Death with Dignity Acts, they're also much more knowledgeable of the whole array of end-of-life options.

Perhaps part of the reason people in the Pacific Northwest understand more about their options is they're willing to have those difficult discussions about death and dying. While still too few people plan for their deaths, those who do take the guess work out of final decisions.

You can help us create a larger discussion about Death with Dignity through our monthly TweetChats. Check out these stories and more below and in our Living with Dying archive.

Sincerely,
Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

New Poll: Pacific NW More Informed and Strongly Supports Expanded End-of-Life Options
by Melissa Barber, Electronic Communications Specialist
A new poll by National Journal and The Regence Foundation found residents in Oregon and Washington were more supportive of a variety of end-of-life options than most Americans. This is the second poll in a three-part series, "Living Well at the End of Life: A National Conversation", which explores the conversations Americans have about death and dying. The findings illustrate some interesting similarities between the two states with Death with Dignity Acts and the conversations taking place about end-of-life care.

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It's Scary to Talk About Death, But We Need to Start Somewhere
guest post by Briget Wandruff
A few years ago, my mother was going in for back surgery. She talked about the stacks of paper she had to sign releasing the hospital of any responsibility should she die as a result of, well, anything short of malpractice. My mother is a planner, and since my father's death in 1989 and her sister's death ten year later, Mother's been planning for her own death.

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Who Should Make End-of-Life Decisions?
guest post by Joseph Nowinski, PhD
We buried my Uncle Ed two weeks ago. He was 84. Having served in the Merchant Marine in World War II and the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Ed was entitled to a full military funeral, which he received.

Ed was what you would call a man's man. Like most of his generation he never had much formal education, but he was smart. His skills always amazed me, as he could build or repair almost anything. He enjoyed good scotch and good cigars and he always drove a nice car. He died, in a veterans hospital, from cancer that had been in remission for several years but which was found to have metastasized to his ribs roughly four months ago.

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In This Issue:

• New Poll: Pacific NW Strongly Supports More End-of-Life Options
• It's Scary to Talk About Death
• Who Should Make End-of-Life Decisions?

You Are the Difference!
Unlike many nonprofits, the Death with Dignity National Center is entirely funded through individual donations and private foundations. Thank you to all of our generous donors for helping us defend and promote Death with Dignity laws!

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Tweets Heard Around the World
The third Thursday of every month we host TweetChats on different aspects of Death with Dignity. By participating in our TweetChats and tweeting publicly about Death with Dignity you help us:

• Raise awareness about Death with Dignity
• Find and meet others who support Death with Dignity
• Let your friends and family know Death with Dignity is important to you

READ JUNE'S RECORDING >

Diverse Support
You needn't agree with physician-assisted death to support Death with Dignity laws. Most people wouldn't and don't choose this end-of-life option but still advocate for others to be able to make this decision for themselves.

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Forward to a Friend
Well crafted Death with Dignity laws work the way they're intended. You and I know that, but do your friends?

The best way for us to ensure Death with Dignity is an option for all Americans is to tell to more people our story. Will you help us connect with your friends?

SHARE US WITH FRIENDS >

We'd love to hear from you!
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Tel: 503-228-4415
Fax: 503-967-7064
info@deathwithdignity.org

Images: National Journal logo by National Journal Group Inc and butterfly care of Suite 101.
Contact the editor at mbarber@deathwithdignity.org