Death with Dignity National Center

Death with Dignity National Center

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Logo of the Death with Dignity National Center

The Death with Dignity National Center is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of terminally ill patients to end their lives through the use of physician-assisted dying. The organization is a prominent supporter of death with dignity laws in the United States, which allow individuals with terminal illnesses to voluntarily request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their death.

History

The Death with Dignity National Center was founded in 1993. It emerged from the movement to legalize physician-assisted dying, which gained momentum in the late 20th century. The organization played a crucial role in the passage of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act in 1994, which was the first law of its kind in the United States.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Death with Dignity National Center is to promote death with dignity laws based on the model of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. The organization engages in advocacy, education, and legal defense to support the implementation and expansion of these laws.

Advocacy

The Center works to influence public policy by lobbying for the enactment of death with dignity laws in various states. It collaborates with local organizations and provides resources to advocates working to pass similar legislation.

Education

The organization provides educational materials to inform the public about end-of-life options and the ethical, legal, and medical aspects of physician-assisted dying. It also offers training for healthcare providers on how to discuss end-of-life options with patients.

Legal Defense

The Death with Dignity National Center provides legal support to defend existing death with dignity laws against challenges. It also assists in legal cases that seek to expand the rights of terminally ill patients.

Impact

The efforts of the Death with Dignity National Center have led to the adoption of death with dignity laws in several states, including Washington, Vermont, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and New Mexico. These laws provide a legal framework for terminally ill patients to make autonomous decisions about their end-of-life care.

Criticism and Controversy

The concept of death with dignity and the work of the Death with Dignity National Center have been subjects of ethical and moral debate. Critics argue that such laws may lead to pressure on vulnerable patients to end their lives prematurely. Supporters, however, emphasize the importance of personal autonomy and the relief of suffering.

Related Pages

• Oregon Death with Dignity Act
• Physician-assisted suicide
• End-of-life care
• Euthanasia