Life is essentially a constant victory over death. Although this feat seems ideal, there is a category of society that wishes to lose. Some of these people turn to assisted suicide to satisfy their most extreme desires. Oregon, Washington, and Vermont are currently the only states that allow this act to be implemented. Commonly thought to be synonymous with euthanasia, the most palpable difference between the two is who performs the task. In euthanasia, a doctor will administer a lethal dose of medicine, while assisted suicide is characterized by the patient administering it to himself. As the issue of legalization gains more and more momentum, a general argument has formed in favor of the most popular opinions. Supporters believe in “death with dignity,” while the opposing side sees assisted suicide as the gateway to doctors killing their patients. As the first state to legalize assisted suicide, what opinions did Oregon consider in making the decision? The beginning of physician-assisted dying is credited to Dr. Jack Kevorkian. He practiced euthanasia, which ultimately led to assisted suicide. The idea that terminally ill sufferers could choose when to end their lives was appealing to many, especially those whose friends or family members suffered from debilitating illnesses. Over time, more and more countries and states have legalized assisted suicide and are continually refining the qualifications a person must meet to be eligible. The Death with Dignity Act in Oregon passed by a very slim margin – 51% to 49% – in 1994; however, a measure that would have repealed the law was defeated by a vote of 60% to 40% in 1997 (Norman-Eady). The OLR research report outlines two sets of requirements that patients must meet in order to request... half of the document... Business and "Physicians' Experiences with the Oregon Death with Dignity Act" Are More Valid than How to Die in Oregon for two main reasons. The authors are credible in the sense that the board and researchers are well educated and know the medical field. Furthermore, the lack of emotional appeal means there is less bias in their reporting. With How to Die in Oregon, Peter Richardson's techniques were effective, but they rely heavily on the audience's emotional response to the film. More research on Washington and Vermont's experience with assisted suicide will be available in the future, so the effects of its legalization will be easier to pinpoint. Vermont's position relative to Oregon relative to Washington's position will also show any regional differences, if there are any. The procedure is performed using barbiturates, but perhaps more effective methods could be sought