Assisted suicide is a controversial and emotional topic for both proponents and opponents alike. For now, no matter where you stand on assisted suicide, it remains illegal in most states, where the act of helping someone end his or her life is felony. In a few states, however, assisted suicide is legal under certain circumstances.
States That Allow Assisted Suicide
Under Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act, a doctor may prescribe lethal medication to a terminally ill patient to end their suffering. The doctor must adhere to strict rules in regards to prescribing such medications to patients. The states of Vermont and Washington also have similar laws on the books.
The supreme court in Montana ruled that doctors could prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients, but to date no legislation has been passed to legalize assisted suicide in that state. A New Mexico judge ruled that terminally ill patients had a constitutional right to assistance with dying and their constitutional right overruled the law–even though assisted suicide in New Mexico is illegal.
The Patient’s Right’s Council has a website that has information on assisted suicide laws for each state. Your elder law attorney can also advise you of end-of-life options for you or your loved ones.
