Linton's motivation is similar. All but one state would agree with Linton. Oregon recently became the only state allowing assisted suicide. Its progress, however, was slow. The 1994 public referendum that initially legalized the practice had been blocked until this year.
Most states have specific statutes preventing assisted suicide of any kind.
Others simply treat it under normal homicide laws. In the past, arguments over the refusal of life support was an issue. Now it is expected, and many patients want the power to control their deaths. Linton doubts many doctors outside of Oregon will be willing to assist patients' suicides. The Federal Drug Enforcement Authority's illegalization of prescribing lethal doses of medication is a deterrent.