In this commentary, the authors argue that in view of what is reported in “Observations on the First Year of Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act”, it is reasonable to conclude the Act has the potential to serve the autonomy interests of the terminally ill by enriching opportunities for choice for those who choose to hasten death & those who decide not to do so. Nonetheless, in order for this potential to be fulfilled in the current health-care context, those who implement the Act need to ensure the terminally ill understand how their choices are influenced by economic, psychological, & social factors. To this end, 3 conditions are identified that need to be met in order for true decision making to take place & areas that need to be monitored if the choices of the terminally ill are to be truly autonomous are suggested. (15 notes)