Proponents of the legalisation of Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) in the UK claim that it works well in Oregon.
Lord Joffe and Jeremy Purvis both modelled their proposed legislation on the Oregon experience. However, the experience of legislation in different countries will not necessarily predict the effect of legalising PAS in the UK. The practice of PAS in Oregon raises concern. Since the Oregon model is the one most favoured by proponents of PAS in the UK, it will be examined closely.
PAS was legalised in Oregon in 1997 in the Death with Dignity Act (DWDA). PAS bills have failed in other states because of opposition from healthcare workers and disability rights advocates.
