Margaret Dore
Washington assisted suicide act was
enacted via a ballot initiative in 2008 and went into effect in 2009.[1] During
the election, proponents claimed that its passage would ensure individuals
control over their deaths. A glossy brochure declared, "Only the
patient — and no one else — may administer the [lethal dose]."[2] The Act, however, does not say this
anywhere.
Today, the Washington State Department
of Health issued its annual report about Washington's act.[3] That report, similarly, does not demonstrate
that individuals are in control. The report provides no information as to whether the people
who died under the act consented and/or acted voluntarily at the time of death.
The report instead talks about "ingestion" of the lethal dose. A drug can be "ingested" while a person
is asleep, sedated and/or not aware of his or her surroundings.
For more information about Washington's
act, See Margaret Dore, "'Death with Dignity': What Do We Advise Our Clients?," Bar
Bulletin, May 2009.[4]
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[1]
Washington's act was passed by in November 2008 as Initiative 1000 and has now been
codified as RCW chapter 70.245.
[2] I-1000 color pamphlet, "Paid for
by Yes! on 1000."
[3]
See News
Release here and report
here.
[4] Further information can be
viewed here.