Nurseweek/Healthweek|Oregon's assisted suicide initiative upheld in court

Oregon’s assisted-suicide initiative upheld in court

posted 10-20-97

Supporters of Oregon’s physician-assisted suicide initiative were bolstered by a Supreme Court decision Oct. 14 to reject a challenge to block the state law. But the victory could be short-lived if some state legislators have their way.

In 1994 Oregon voters passed a referendum allowing physicians to assist terminally ill, but mentally competent, people to commit suicide by prescribing a lethal medication. So far, however, court challenges have prevented the initiative, called Measure 16, from taking effect.

The state’s Republican-led Legislature has decided to put the measure to another public vote. Ballots were mailed out beginning last week asking whether Measure 16 should be repealed; they must be returned by Nov. 4.

In a phone survey of 505 voters last month, respondents opposed the repeal of Measure 16 by a 2-to-1 ratio. Many of the respondents said they were frustrated with the Legislature’s decision to seek a second vote on the same measure.