This website has received a number of enquiries about the recent changes to Oregon’s laws on Assisted Dying. On the face of things, Oregon has opened its doors to foreigners who want to travel there for help to end their lives.
Well, yes they have – but it’s not so simple as that.
Following a small amendment to their law in 2023, the Oregon legislative assembly has now permitted assisted dying services for people who are not long-term residents of Oregon. However, you do need to be present in Oregon for at least fifteen days before the Assisted Voluntary Death (AVD) can take place. You also need to see (physically and in person) two separate Oregon Physicians. Those requirements, particularly when linked with the general need for patients to be terminally ill with less than six months to live, means that very few non-American citizens are likely to want to make use of this change. Full further details can be found on the website of End Of Life Choices Oregon (EOLCOR).
It is fair to point out that overseas visitors could also have problems with US border control. If you have bought a one-way ticket, you’ll need a somewhat creative answer to the “what are you intending to do during your stay ?” question. And if you’ve only got six months to live then you don’t want to spend them being interviewed at Portland Airport.
