The Oregon Health Plan Steers Patients to Suicide: "Do You Want This to Be Your Choice?"

Kenneth Stevens, MD

http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/03/01/editorial/letters/learn-lessons-of-oregons-law/

The Hawaii Legislature is considering legalizing assisted suicide (Senate Bill 1129 SD1). I am a doctor in Oregon, where assisted suicide is legal.

In 2000, I had a cancer patient named Jeanette Hall who was adamant that she was going to use Oregon’s law. Without treatment, she had a prognosis of six months to a year to live, rendering her “eligible.” I convinced her to be treated instead. Today, 16 years later, she is thrilled to be alive.


In Oregon, the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) steers patients to suicide in lieu of desired treatments for cure or to extend life. Private insurers have this same ability. Do you want this to be your choice?

Legal assisted suicide encourages people with years to live to throw away their lives and allows providers to steer patients to suicide in lieu of treatment.

Tell your legislators to vote “No” on SB 1129 SD1.

Kenneth Stevens, M.D.
Sherwood, Ore.