Pubdate: Thu, 08 Nov 2001
Source: Medford Mail Tribune (OR)
Copyright: 2001 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/ashcroft.htm (Ashcroft, John)

FEDERAL SHAME

Assisted Suicide Action Will Lead Us Down A Path Of More Turmoil And Pain

The decision by Attorney General John Ashcroft to undercut Oregon's 
physician-assisted suicide law leaves us torn between emotions of anger, 
sadness and suspicion.

Ashcroft reversed previous policy on Tuesday when he told the Drug 
Enforcement Administration that use of federally controlled drugs in 
assisted suicides is not a "legitimate medical use." That means any doctors 
who prescribe the drugs for that use - as was allowed until Tuesday - could 
face suspension or revocation of their licenses to prescribe drugs.

The state of Oregon has rightly announced plans to fight the ruling in 
court, but the federal action constitutes a step backward in efforts to 
treat pain effectively and to treat terminally ill patients with dignity.

We are angered by Ashcroft's decision because it represents a federal 
intrusion into an state decision that was affirmed twice by Oregon's 
voters. We are angered because when attempts to legislate the law out of 
existence failed, an administrative ax was used - and used by the party 
that routinely tells us it wants to lessen the federal government's 
influence in our lives.

We are saddened for the terminally ill patients who once again find 
themselves told by their government that they must die slow and agonizing 
deaths. We are saddened for our nation that this administration has chosen 
to insert itself into the business of legislating social values, for it is 
a bankrupt business.

We are suspicious about the timing of this announcement. We agree with 
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, who questions "why John Ashcroft picked this 
moment to inject this divisive issue into the public debate ..." We are 
suspicious that the current international crisis is being used as a screen 
for enacting an unpopular measure. Will opponents of assisted suicide now 
caution that we should not criticize the administration in this time of 
national turmoil?

There is no evidence - none - that Oregon's law has led to abuses. There is 
plenty of evidence that it has helped suffering people. It has not led to 
an epidemic of suicides - a total of 70 people have used the process to 
peacefully and legally end their suffering since the law was passed.

Tuesday's announcement was a shame - Ashcroft's shame and President Bush's 
shame.
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MAP posted-by: Beth