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.

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