Does anyone know how many people in Oregon have used this option? Are there a lot of doctors that participate? And am I correct that a coma patient isn't included in the law? Can his/her family decide for that person?
I don't think ANY doctor really "knows" how long a person will live. It's a guess, based on statistics, at best. I would think that if a person is of sound mind when this decision is made, then that person could use their sound mind to carry out their wishes without involving courts or doctors.
Take responsibility for your own spiritual and physical well-being and minimize medical and governmental intervention in your personal affairs. That's my advice.
My understanding is that some 200 patients have used the law since its enactment in 1994, that is, around 20 people a year. I do not know how many physicians will prescribe the lethal dosage of drugs. Only a person of sound mind with less than six months to live, as determined by two physicians, can request the drugs. A coma patient is not eligible. Family members may not request the life-ending prescription. In addition, the physician may prescribe, but can not administer the drugs under the law.