X-Message-Number: 7916 Date: Fri, 21 Mar 1997 17:17:28 -0700 From: David Brandt-Erichsen <> Subject: Oregon update Note: I still do not know the implementation date of Measure 16. Abridged from the PORTLAND OREGONIAN, March 21 ASSISTED-SUICIDE FOES SEEK DELAY BY FOSTER CHURCH of the Oregonian staff SALEM - Opponents of doctor assisted-suicide --facing legislative political reality -- called on law-makers Thursday to delay implementation of the 1994 Initiative Measure 16 until July 1999. Groups opposing the measure previously have backed House Bill 2700, which would have repealed it. But Thursday they testified on behalf of another measure, House Bill 2952. "Our shift in support indicates the political reality that it did not appear the votes were there to support (repeal)," said Robert Castagna, executive director of the Oregon Catholic Conference. "If direct legislative repeal is not possible, then the next bill in terms of priority is to study it and delay implementation." The delaying measure would create a 14-member task force composed of House and Senate members who would study Measure 16 and make legislative recommendations regarding possible changes. Castagna, however; acknowledged that he was not certain there are the votes in the House to delay implementation, particularly if Gov. John Kitzhaber opposes delay, The Governors' office did not respond to inquiries about his position. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=7916