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Oregon

CURRENT STATUS: ENACTED

About

The Oregon Death with Dignity Act went into effect on October 27, 1997.

Oregon’s ground-breaking law is the first of its kind in the United States. The law works exactly as intended and exactly for whom it was intended, clearing a path for other states to follow.

Timeline of Death with Dignity in Oregon

2023

2023

On July 13, 2023 Tina Kotek signs HB 2279 into law. The bill is effective immediately, and Oregon is the second state in the United States to remove the residency requirement from the Death with Dignity law. 

  • HB 2279 passes the final vote in the Senate and heads to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk for approval.
  • In May, HB 2279 passes out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and awaits a final Senate vote.
  • In March, HB 2279 crosses over to the Senate. It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a first reading.
  • In February, the Oregon Judiciary Committee introduces SB891. This amendment expands access to the Death with Dignity Act for qualified patients.
  • On January 9, 2023 an amendment (HB 2279) to the Oregon Death with Dignity Act is introduced.  This amendment would remove the Oregon residency requirement on passage.

2019

2019

Amendment Signed into Law

On July 23, Governor Kate Brown signs into law a bill giving physicians the ability to waive the 15-day waiting period for patients who are imminently dying. The law went into effect on January 1, 2020.

2006

2006

Victory for Oregon

The Federal Government loses its case against the Oregon law. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Oregon physicians can prescribe life-ending medication under the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.

1997

1997

Round Two: Death with Dignity 

Once again, voters approve the Oregon Death with Dignity Act after a three-year legal battle with the federal government. This time, the law passes by an even greater margin. Federal attempts to intervene will continue through 2006.

1994

1994

Voters Win!

Voters approve the Oregon Death with Dignity Act by ballot.