Most physicians are unwilling to prescribe the lethal medication.
People living a long way from a large urban centre may be severely disadvantaged in their ability to obtain medication to end their lives. The Oregon Health Division, the agency responsible for monitoring Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, has produced official reports documenting the number and characteristics of Oregonians who have used the provisions in the law to take medication to end their lives in the years 1998-2000. The physician's prognosis for the patient must be confirmed by a consulting physician and both physicians must determine that the patient is capable of making his or her own decision and does not have a mental health condition that impairs his or her judgement. The patient must make two oral and one written requests for the medication, and at least 15 days must elapse between the first and the final request. Of the 3.3 million residents of Oregon, 1.4 million live in the Portland Metropolitan Area.