Huge increase in assisted suicide cases in Oregon & Switzerland

In Oregon, the amount of assisted suicide cases being provided by physicians is growing. In 1998, there were only 16 cases of assisted suicide provided, while in 2011, there were 71. Oregon is one of the only places that allows physicians to determine if a patient should be eligible for assisted death as long as they are a resident of Oregon, is capable of making the decision themselves, and has written a request to help end his life. This is the only state in the USA that openly permits some form of assisted suicide by physicians.



Switzerland on the other hand is one of the countries that has no law or ruling proscribing assisted suicide. Because of this, the number of cases of assisted suicide in Switzerland is rapidly increasing. In 1998 there were 43 cases, while in 2009 there were 297. Suicide itself is not illegal in Switzerland but someone who assists in the suicide of another person may be charge with manslaughter. It is here where the term "assist" becomes hazy and can be vulnerable to be bypassed. 

A surprising amount of countries do not have specific rulings against assisting in suicide, but many have laws that prevent people from taking part in helping. For example, France has a law that prevents anybody from assisting another person in danger.While it is a law, the convictions are fairly rare and punishments are very lenient.The consistent progressions that are taking place in Oregon and Switzerland however may hopefully open the minds of other states/countries and help influence them towards a more reasonable legal position on the subject.