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How to Die in Oregon

Posted by Greg Schneider on June 12, 2011 at 3:07pm
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Tags: "physician-assisted suicide", oregon, euthanasia, dying, death
Meet the Producer: Peter D. Richardson on his documentary film "How to Die in Oregon" premiering at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Currently airing on HBO. From its opening scene, where a terminally ill cancer patient takes a lethal dose of Seconal and literally dies on camera, it becomes shockingly clear that How to Die in Oregon is a special film. In 1994, Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. As a result, any individual whom two physicians diagnose as having less than six months to live can lawfully request a fatal dose of barbiturate to end his or her life. Since 1994, more than 500 Oregonians have taken their mortality into their own hands. In How to Die in Oregon, filmmaker Peter Richardson (Clear Cut: The Story of Philomath, Oregon screened at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival) gently enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether—and when—to end their lives by lethal overdose. Richardson examines both sides of this complex, emotionally charged issue. What emerges is a life-affirming, staggeringly powerful portrait of what it means to die with dignity. Film Contact Peter D. Richardson, Clearcut Productions Reviews: These reviews will give you a picture of the differing views about this topic. Washington Post NY Times

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  • Debra Heinzelman July 31, 2011 at 7:35am
    Wow!  We have much to learn from this film.
  • Greg Schneider June 12, 2011 at 4:09pm

    Frances,

    I will be interested to hear what you think about the film.

    Greg

  • Frances Shani Parker June 12, 2011 at 3:50pm

    Thanks for sharing this video, Greg. This is a very controversial matter for many, and I hope to see the movie. 

    The Vermont legislature is also considering a Death with Dignity bill this year. A Zogby Poll from February found 64% of Vermonters support the legislation, and 85% agree with the statement, "I should be able to make my own choices about what happens to me at the end of my life without the government, doctors, or the church telling me what to do." 

    The 2011 Vermont Physician Legislative Survey results show that 70.2% of all Vermont physicians support or are neutral on Vermont's Death with Dignity Act. Almost 90% believe the proposed law is safe and protects patients and physicians. The legislation is also supported by 61.5% of primary care physicians.

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