X-Message-Number: 8675
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 1997 15:11:07 -0700
From: David Brandt-Erichsen <>
Subject: Another Oregon update

The Euthanasia Research & Guidance Organization (ERGO) reports the following:

The Oregon Death With Dignity Act, passed by voters in l994 to permit
physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill, took effect today when
the US Supreme Court refused, without comment, to hear an appeal.

But standing in the wings is the National Right to Life Committee ready to
bring a second court case asking for an injunction to stop the Act's
implementation. Temporary injunctions are usually granted.  This may come
within a few days.

Also, the voters of Oregon will be voting for a second time on November 4
on whether or not they want to repeal the three-year old Act.

The liklihood that anyone will use the new law in the meantime is slender
because it requires a 17-day waiting period between the patient's first
request and the doctor writing out a prescription for lethal drugs. Nobody
has publicly stated that they are ready to use the Act.

The citizens ballot in l994 was named "Measure 16" and the current one to
repeal the law next month is named "Measure 51".  Should Oregon voters
choose repeal then any court cases would be moot.

Currently Oregon is embroiled in a massive campaign by both sides on radio,
television and poster advertising to influence the voters.  At least three
million dollars has been spent so far by both sides. It will almost
certainly go much higher.

This is an entirely postal vote.  Electors will be receiving their ballots
this week.

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