I think that only 1 in 6 terminally ill patients actually drink the lethal barbiturate dosage added to a juice drink or eat the pudding laced with same. Of that 16% that do, the lethal concoction is usually administered by a spouse or immediate family member in a final compassionate act. In many other cases, the patients personal Physician may administer the lethal "last meal".

It has been my experience (limited experience) that while a patient may request to take upon themselves the assisted suicide option, in the final days or moments they themselves do not go through with it.

I think a Death with Dignity Act should be available in more states, but I don't think the numbers of those who would actually take part in the suicide would change.

I think in the end that the brain is so protective of life, its life, that it will not allow that we kill ourselves. Even when things are hopeless, we will try to hang on and consequently pass naturally.

There are however the exceptions and I respect that decision also.
I honestly don't know what I'd do if I was faced with being in a hopeless terminal condition.