X-Message-Number: 9381
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 09:41:20 -0700
From: David Brandt-Erichsen <>
Subject: Oregon update

    MAN WITH HAS A DEADLY NERVE DISORDER AGREES TO ASSISTED-SUICIDE SUIT

   PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- A Newberg man suffering from the progressive
   and deadly neurological disorder known as Lou Gehrig's disease says he
   will dedicate his last days to trying to stop physician-assisted
   suicide in Oregon.

   Troy Thompson, 36, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, has agreed
   to serve as a plaintiff in another legal challenge to the
   assisted-suicide law twice approved by voters.

   Opponents of assisted suicide are trying to revive a lawsuit in U.S.
   District Court in Eugene to stop doctors from prescribing life-ending
   medication for terminally ill patients with less than six months to
   live.

   Since the law went into effect, at least two people have taken
   life-ending medication.

   Marilyn Thompson said her husband's physician, Dr. Miles Edwards, a
   member of Physicians for Compassionate Care, asked him to join the
   court action.

   Troy Thompson, who is almost completely paralyzed, communicates by
   blinking his eyes as someone points to letters on a spelling chart.
   His wife said it took him 45 minutes to spell out his philosophy on
   assisted suicide: "God doesn't make mistakes. We do. He is the author
   and finisher of our lives."

   Voters approved assisted suicide in 1994, making Oregon the first
   state to legalize it.

   U.S. District Judge Michael R. Hogan ruled the law unconstitutional in
   1995, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the
   decision last year and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an
   appeal.

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