Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The question of how this might impact our efforts at suicide prevention is a recurring theme here. I have seen a pre-published report on doctor-assisted deaths in Oregon. The report or study is shortly to be published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. I am operating from an understanding that deaths from assisted suicide have increased tenfold since its introduction in Oregon and over fourfold in the past five years. The report is quite critical of Oregon. It says the proportion with private health insurance fell from 65% to 20% over the 25 years. Most of those having assisted suicide in 2022 had Government Medicare or Medicaid health insurance. That statistic causes me to wonder what it tells us about the demographic. Is there a demographic change in those availing of assisted suicide in Oregon?

The other big concern is, while people say it is limited to terminally ill cases, there seems to be some expansion. Of those terminally ill who opt for assisted death, 46% in 2022 were concerned about being a burden. That figure used to be only 30%. I put this to all three but will start with our expert from Oregon: does this not suggest a shift in attitudes or an increase in vulnerability among those who are terminally ill over time in Oregon?