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would have repealed it.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.

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