If you’re a diabetic in Oregon and refuse treatment, you may qualify for life-ending drugs under the state’s physician-assisted suicide law.
The state’s Death with Dignity Act limits aid in dying to those who suffer from a “terminal disease” and receive a prognosis of six months or less to live. Two physicians must sign-off on the diagnosis and confirm that the patient is capable of making the decision to end his life.
Dr. William Toffler, national director of Physicians for Compassionate Care, which opposes physician-assisted suicide, said there’s nothing in the law to prevent someone with a treatable condition from refusing medical care in order to obtain a terminal diagnosis and lethal prescription.