Report: 63 prescriptions dispensed for assisted suicide in first 9 months of Washington law
By APThursday, March 4, 2010
63 suicide doses given in 1st 9 mos. of Wash. law
SEATTLE — The state of Washington says 63 suicide prescriptions were dispensed during the first nine months of the state’s “death with dignity” act to people between the ages of 48 and 95.
The Health Department said Thursday that of the 63 who received lethal doses, 47 are known to have died.
Thirty-six of them died after taking the medications and seven most likely died from their ailment. The agency says it doesn’t know the details of the other four because the death certificate or report hasn’t been filed.
Under the Washington law, any patient requesting fatal medication must be at least 18 years old, be declared mentally competent, a resident of the state and have a terminal condition with six months or less to live.
Oregon and Montana also allow assisted suicides.
