Attitudes of Oregon psychologists toward physician-assisted suicide and the Oregon Death With Dignity Act

Abstract

Since the passage of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act (ODDA), psychologists have been grappling with how to fulfill their legally specified role in the process of physician-assisted suicide. We surveyed Oregon psychologists to elicit their views on assisted suicide and the process of assessing patients who request such assistance. There was a high degree of support for assisted suicide and the ODDA, but also a minority who were highly opposed. Most survey respondents raised ethical or practical concerns with their role as assessors. Many important questions about how evaluations in the complex area should be conducted remain unanswered.