Heated Debate over a Law for the Dying

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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Heated Debate over a Law for the Dying

U.S. News & World Report (12/19/94) Vol. 117, No. 24, P. 36
Shapiro, Joseph P.

Two AIDS patients in Oregon are taking opposite sides in the debate over assisted suicide. Oregon is seeking to become the first place in the world where doctors can legally provide lethal drugs to help the dying end their lives. Michael Vernon wants the ban lifted because he wants control over how and when his life ends. Vernon says that personal choice is the central issue for him because he has seen friends die of AIDS--often after a long and painful assault on their minds and bodies. Eric Dutson, however, is afraid the law will let doctors and the government decide when he should die. "I am concerned that [medical service providers] will subject me to undue influence or duress to end my life myself in order to enable them to avoid" the dilemma between providing treatment at a reduced charge and denying treatment, said Dutson. Supporters of the law say that it has many safeguards, including second opinions and multiple requests to die. In response to a challenge filed by Dutson and others, a federal judge recently issued a temporary restraining order to keep the law from taking effect.

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