Oregon's Death with Dignity Act: Trends in Prescriptions and Demographics

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has reported a continued rise in prescriptions for life-ending medications under Oregon's Death with Dignity Act (DWDA). Recent data shows a 5% increase in prescriptions, rising from 609 to 637 during the reporting period. This follows a previous 29% increase, largely due to the removal of the state residency requirement under a 2023 legislative amendment.

Oregon's DWDA, established on October 27, 1997, enables physicians to prescribe lethal medications to terminally ill patients wishing to end their lives. Between 2024 and 2025, there was a slight 5% decline in deaths from ingesting these medications, dropping from 421 to 400. Nonetheless, health officials anticipate an increase as more death certificates are processed.

Dr. Tom Jeanne, Deputy State Health Officer at OHA, stated, "What we’ve observed over the last several years is a steady overall increase in prescriptions and deaths among Death with Dignity Act participants." Additionally, the report revealed that 6% of individuals who died under the Act in 2025 survived beyond their initial prognosis, a condition for eligibility.

The demographic data remained consistent, showing that most DWDA participants were over 65 (88%), predominantly white (94%), and half held a bachelor's degree or higher. Cancer was the leading health condition (61%), followed by neurological (14%) and heart diseases (11%). The majority were in hospice care (92%) with insurance coverage, primarily through Medicare or Medicaid (79%).

Key concerns driving participation in the DWDA included loss of autonomy, diminished ability to enjoy life activities, and loss of dignity. Notably, in 2025, the OHA did not refer any physicians to the Oregon Medical Board for non-compliance with the Act's reporting requirements.