How To Die In Oregon is a dramatic documentary that debuted On January 23, 2011, at the Sundance Film Festival, which was awarded the Grand Jury Prize.

When the show opens, we are introduced to several candidates, who have opted to take advantage of the lethal medications that are to be administered to end their lives. All clients have been diagnosed with a terminal illness that will eventually end their lives, but they choose to end their lives when they want to and on their own terms.

The documentary goes on to tell us a little history on the Death And Dignity Act, when and how it came about. In 1994, the voters were allowed to either vote for or against the law. The law was not legally implemented until 1997, because of an injunction that would give the Oregon voters opportunity to change their minds. Of course, it was passed into law (second time around) by a 60% to 40% margin, a wider margin than the 1994 votes received. So this meant that with the help of a qualified physician, the lethal drug, and the diagnosis of a terminal illness (with a life expectancy less than six months), you can control how long you live and when you die.

We were introduced to several gentlemen that chose to participate in the physician assistant suicide and even went so far as to get the prescription filled, only to die later in the hospital, without taking the lethal drug.

We also met one elderly gentleman, supported by his entire family, who dranks the lethal concoction, straight down, without hesitating. He appeared to fall asleep peacefully without pain and without struggle. 

There is one strict guideline that must be followed when choosing to go this route, which is you must self administer the medication, with no help from friends or family members. So this means that you will have to be alert, oriented, and capable of swallowing the drug. The family can mix the drugs together and put it into some form of liquid, but nothing else.  

We are introduced to Cody Curtis, who was diagnosed with a liver disease. She tells us about her pain and suffering that she has endured throughout her illness. She explains why she is going to participate in the physician assisted suicide and voluntarily take her own lethal medication. Her husband and son, Stan and Thomas, are supporting Cody and respecting her decision. Cody quietly takes her life after the Christmas holidays and ends her torturous suffering.

Afterthought

At the time of the filming, you had to be a resident of Oregon for a specified amount of time before you could undergo the physician assisted suicide act, now there is no minimum residency required. Legal euthanasia is a very touchy subject but the voters of Oregon have spoken and continue to uphold their decision. If you have ever witnessed someone suffer tremendously before they die, you will probably agree with the Oregon voters, if not you will most like object to the law. Today 750 people have taken advantage of this law and the numbers continue to grow. There are only 5 states that uphold this law and you must be 18 years old or older to participate. 

Review

This very heart wrenching documentary allows everyone an opportunity to step inside the lives of people that have less than six months to survive. If you are weak at heart and oppose the Death And Dignity Act you should surely not watch this film, but for those of you that are totally for people to die with dignity and without pain, you should check it out. While I do not live in Oregon, I totally agree with the Oregon voters. 

I commend Peter Richardson on what a tremendous job he did putting this film together. This film deserves an 8 out of 10.