Table 1

Some differences between physician-assisted suicide criteria in Oregon and in Lord Joffe's Bill

What constitutes a 'signature' on the written request declaration

Oregon & Lord Joffe's Bill:
Signed by the patient.

Lord Joffe's Bill:
OR patient leaves his mark OR third party signs at patient's direction if patient cannot due to physical infirmity.

Degree of assistance from the doctor in the suicide

Oregon & Lord Joffe's Bill:
Doctor prescribes overdose.

Lord Joffe's Bill:
OR Doctor prescribes overdose and provides the means for patient to self-administer if patient cannot take overdose orally.

Hicks BMC Family Practice 2006 7:39   doi:10.1186/1471-2296-7-39