From the farmer’s market on Saturday, I bought home fresh smoked fish, homegrown lamb, and a bundle of eucalyptus so fresh the oil gummied my hands as I threaded sprigs into vases. Soon the house filled with that sharp, redolent eucalypty smell, the crisp scent of truth.

As I unloaded these treasures, a text pinged—a friend I knew from a community group. I admired her wisdom and poise. We’d never met outside meetings, but when I noticed she stopped showing up and learned she had ALS, I reached out and visited a couple of times.

Still unprepared for her text, I sucked in my breath reading: “…I have an odd and last-minute question for you. Do you have any time this weekend to be a witness on my written request for Medical Aid in Dying form? You sign saying I am mentally fit, not coerced, etc. If you’re not around, it is OK, so no pressure—can ask someone else.”

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Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act (DWDA) initially appeared on the ballot in 1994, passing by 51 percent. Opponents worked hard to prevent use of the Act, including a ballot initiative to repeal it in 1997. Voters rejected the repeal by 60 percent. I voted with the majority both times. Today, nine states plus........

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