Oregon removes assisted suicide wait for certain patients

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A change to state law will allow certain terminally ill patients in Oregon more direct access to life-ending medications under the state's assisted suicide law.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed legislation this week allowing doctors to make exceptions to the waiting periods if the patient is likely to die before completing them.

Those seeking life-ending medication under Oregon's Death with Dignity Act are subject to over a two-week waiting period designed to ensure patients are sure of their decision.

Opponents say the move removes a critical safeguard in state law meant to prevent people from taking their lives without full consideration.

Democrat Sen. Floyd Prozansk of Eugene, who sponsored the new law, says an amendment was needed to alleviate suffering for people with less than two weeks to live.