How to Die in Oregon

How to Die in Oregon FilmPoster

How to Die in Oregon is a documentary film that explores the complex and emotionally charged issue of assisted suicide within the state of Oregon, United States. Directed by Peter Richardson, the film was released in 2011 and delves into the lives of patients navigating Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, a law that allows terminally ill individuals to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of lethal medications, expressly prescribed by a physician for that purpose.

Synopsis

How to Die in Oregon opens with a poignant scene of a terminally ill cancer patient, Cody Curtis, as she makes the decision to utilize the Death with Dignity Act. The documentary follows her journey alongside several other patients who are considering the option of assisted suicide. Through these personal stories, the film explores the ethical, legal, and emotional issues surrounding the right to die. It provides an intimate look at the choices faced by terminally ill patients and the impact of those choices on their families and healthcare providers.

Background

In 1994, Oregon became the first U.S. state to legalize physician-assisted suicide with the passage of the Death with Dignity Act. The law has sparked significant debate and controversy, with advocates arguing for the right of terminally ill individuals to end their suffering on their own terms, and opponents raising moral and ethical concerns. How to Die in Oregon examines these debates by presenting the real-life experiences of those directly affected by the law.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive and respectful handling of a difficult subject. It won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and has been praised for its compassionate portrayal of the individuals and families involved. Critics have highlighted the film's ability to humanize the political and ethical debates surrounding assisted suicide, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece.

Impact

How to Die in Oregon has contributed to the national conversation about assisted suicide and the right to die. By providing a deeply personal look at the issue, the film has helped to raise awareness and understanding of the complexities involved. It has also been used as an educational tool by healthcare professionals, ethicists, and law makers to better understand the implications of death with dignity laws.

See Also

• Assisted suicide
• Death with Dignity Act
• Euthanasia
• Right to die