Washington state passed the Death with Dignity Act (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. in 2008, where it is currently legal under specific circumstances to request assistance from a physician in order to end one’s life (see the link for more specifics). For this option, watch the Frontline documentary “The Suicide Plan” (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and research an area of death, dying and bereavement that interests you, and that you can share with others in your group on seminar day. It does not have to be a scholarly article, but it should be from a reputable source. Please answer the questions below: 

1. Under what circumstances is it legal in Washington state for someone to request assisted dying? Do you think there are adequate safeguards in place? Why or why not?

2. Why do people explore this option? What are the effects of legalizing this option? How often is this option utilized, and by whom? Use the data from both Oregon and Washington: 

Death with Dignity act data from Washington state (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Death with Dignity act data from Oregon state (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

3. What topic did you choose to learn more about, and what did you learn?  Please include a link and reference to the source. Were there any controversies raised?  Were there differences in what the article and the documentary reported?

4. What is your reaction to studying this topic? What are your beliefs and feelings about death and dying, and how were your perspectives informed? Did the reading and documentary change your perspective? If so, in what way(s)? Feel free to share any personal experiences you have with death and dying, although you are not obligated. You may wish to also discuss your fears and concerns about facing end of life issues personally and for your loved ones.