Filmmaker Peter D. Richardson talks about his new documentary, “How to Die in Oregon.” Richardson interviews dying patients, their families and the volunteers who help them obtain fatal doses of a barbiturate that enables them to hasten death. Richardson spent five years producing the film.
Oregon is one of two states in the nation that allows terminally ill patients who have less than six months to live obtain a prescription for the drugs. The diagnosis has to be confirmed by two physicians and the patient must be found competent.
Hundreds of patients have signed up for the prescriptions, according to an Oregon Public Health Services report. Secobarbital was prescribed to 67 out of 70 patients in Oregon during 1998 through 2000 – the bill was passed in 1994.
The law, which was passed in 1994, has been controversial. Advocates are pushing for similar legislation in Vermont. The bill introduced this session wasn’t taken up in the Vermont House or the Senate.
Last month, Anne Galloway, editor of VTDigger.org interviewed Richardson at a private viewing of the film in Burlington. Richardson talks about how and why he made the film. How to Die in Orgeon premieres on HBO on May 26.
Gov. Peter Shumlin said during the post-film interview that he supports a Death with Dignity bill in Vermont.
VTD’s video footage of the question and answer session is by Catherine Hughes.
The film debuts on HBO May 26.
Clip from the film
