Many people have strong beliefs about whether a person should have the right to die when they choose—to end a person’s own perceived pain and suffering, especially when they are terminally ill. These beliefs are often rooted in religion, morals, ethics, law (government-made and natural), and spirituality. Depending on a person’s beliefs or point of view, the issue and related laws may also be referred to as death with dignity, assisted suicide, aid in dying, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, end of life options, and patient choice and control at the end of life.

Currently eight states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) have laws (statutes) that permit persons to choose when to end their lives under certain circumstances. These states include (1) California, (2) Colorado, (3) Hawaii, (4) Maine, (5) New Jersey, (6) Oregon, (7) Vermont, and (8) Washington. And although the state of Montana does not have such a statute its supreme court has ruled that nothing in the state’s law prohibits a physician from honoring a terminally ill but mentally competent patient’s request to prescribe medication to expedite the patient’s death. In states without such laws a physician or other person’s act of assisting a person with suicide is generally subject to criminal prosecution for murder or other criminal charges.

In Washington State, the Death with Dignity Act allows terminally ill adults seeking to end their life to request lethal doses of medication from medical providers. This law stipulates that patients must be mentally competent and have a prognosis of six months or less to live. The process requires two oral requests, one written request, and a waiting period between them. Additionally, two physicians must confirm the patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and competence. The law aims to provide a legal option for those who wish to exercise autonomy at the end of life while ensuring safeguards against coercion and abuse. It is important for individuals considering this option to consult with an attorney to understand the legal requirements and implications fully.