The Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund (ODWD Fund) works within the political system to change public policy, thereby improving the dying process for all Americans. The Fund is supported by a national base of individuals dedicated to this mission. Many come to the Fund after experiencing a loved one's difficult death, for their own peace of mind, or due to a profound belief in choice at life's end. The Fund works to empower terminally ill patients and fight for their rights through lobbying, as well as legislative, electoral and ballot initiatives around the country.

The ODWD Fund began in 1993 as Oregon Right to Die (ORTD), a state political action committee, formed to help pass Ballot Measure 16, the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.  Although the Death with Dignity Act was passed by popular vote in 1994, it was tied up by legal challenges (Lee v. Oregon) and a legislative repeal effort until the fall of 1997. Through its grassroots efforts ORTD prevailed and for eight years, advocated for reform through political channels.

In late 2001, ORTD changed its name and tax status to become the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund. This effort was undertaken so that ORTD could more easily combine its political strengths with Death with Dignity National Center (DDNC), a public policy non-profit founded in 1994. Together these organizations are positioned to defend, educate and lead the political charge into the next decade.

Today the ODWD Political Action Fund is at the forefront of the politics of the death with dignity movement, providing the strategic leadership that is necessary to advance end-of-life care reform. The Fund tirelessly works to bridge the gap that currently exists between overwhelming public support for death with dignity and the inaction of policymakers and elected officials.

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