Death-with Dignity laws allows terminal patients to die on their own terms. The laws give patients the choice to use the aid in dying if their suffering becomes unbearable.
The practice of aid in dying does not replace end-of-life care. Patients still have the choice of dying in their own homes, and receiving hospice and palliative care as an alternative to acute hospital care.
Ending the dying process by withdrawing life support for the terminally ill patient is a routine practice in which a patient may not be consulted if they are unconscious. Aid in dying provides the patient autonomy and allows them to avoid life support that would extend their dying process, but not they quality of life.(Death With Dignity.org)
To qualify under Death with Dignity statutes, you must be an adult resident of a state where such a law is in effect, mentally competent, i.e. capable of making and communicating your health care decisions; and diagnosed with a terminal illness that will lead to death within six months, as confirmed by two physician. The process entails two oral requests, one written request, waiting periods, and other requirements.(Death with Dignity.org)