X-Message-Number: 8063 Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 13:17:54 -0700 From: David Brandt-Erichsen <> Subject: Oregon update Greatly abbreviated from the GANNET NEWS SERVICE, Washington (April 9/97) A LOOK AT OREGON'S ASSISTED-SUICIDE LAW John Machacek .... A federal appeals court has cleared the way for the Oregon law to take effect this month. But the law remains on hold pending an appeal of the 3-0 ruling that challengers failed to show how they would be harmed by the law -- or even had standing to bring the case. Right to Life lawyers say they will appeal to the Supreme Court if the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejects their appeal to rehear the case. .... Pharmacists, fearing botched assisted suicides and lawsuits, told a legislative hearing they need guidelines on how to fill prescriptions for physician-assisted suicides. ``No prescription medications are manufactured or approved causing death in humans,'' said Joseph Schnabel, administrator of the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. ``The present wording of (Measure 16 ) leaves many questions unanswered and pharmacists justifiably concerned.'' Schnabel suggested that patients be permitted to use a device allowing them to self-administer a lethal dose of medication intravenously. The device, frequently used by those receiving daily doses of antibiotics, would help the body absorb the medication more efficiently. Whether a device can be permitted under Measure 16's definition of medication is a matter of much discussion in Salem. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=8063