Whilst currently only authorized in the state of Oregon for terminally ill patients, the practice of doctors prescribing medications for patients to self administer to kill themselves is widespread and common throughout the USA. It is commonly recognised by most doctors that whilst it is illegal it is a part of their role neccessitated by compassion for their patients.

A fascinating study by Dr Robert Pearlman published in of General Internal Medicine provides some insight into the mindset of patients requesting such assistance from their doctor. The study shows some clear commonalities amongst these people:

- They are not depressed
- They seek assistance only after a deliberative and thoughtful process rather than on impulse

There were essentially three major reasons for seeking such assistance:

1. illness-related experience - pain, loss of function, fatigue
2. loss of sense of self or identity
3. fears about the future, particularly as they relate to their disease and loss of bodily function.

The underlying consideration in all of this is the quality of the dying experience. An issue that most of us find confronting to consider, not the least because it forces us to confront our own mortality at a level of detail most of us are not equiped for.

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