Physician-Assisted Suicide in Washington State

By Margaret Dore

Washington's physician-assisted suicide law was enacted via Initiative 1000 on November 4, 2008. The law has since been codified as the Washington Death with Dignity Act, Chapter 70.245 RCW. It went into effect on March 5, 2009.

Regulations can be viewed here. Official forms for the law can be viewed here.  Other official state information can be viewed here.

For legal analysis of the Washington and Oregon Acts, go here.

Claims Made by Supporters of Death with Dignity Act Are Misleading

By MARGARET DORE (pictured right)

Special to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin

Sept. 14, 2008

I am an attorney whose practice includes probate and guardianship disputes. As part of my job, I have seen firsthand how families act at the death of a loved one.

Sometimes, especially when the loved one has assets, there can be bad behavior.

Up until a few months ago, I had no strong opinion on the proposed Death with Dignity Act, which is on the ballot as Initiative 1000. That was, until I read its actual language. I urge you to read it now: The backers’ claims are misleading; the proposed safeguards are illusory.