Ore. Suicide Law Hits High Court

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/09/28/supremecourt/main888086.shtml
AP) Julie McMurchie and her four siblings watched as their 68-year-old mother, Peggy Sutherland, lifted a lethal dose of barbiturates to her lips.

It was difficult for them to accept that their mother was about to die, McMurchie said. But Sutherland was in a long and painful struggle with lung cancer, and her children supported her decision to end her life, McMurchie said.

"We were all hugging and kissing her and telling her it was OK to let go," McMurchie said. "Mom held up the glass of medication and said, `I don't think anyone understands how much pain I've been in.' Then she drank it herself. She was asleep in five minutes and she died within 20 minutes."

Sutherland took her own life under Oregon's Death With Dignity law, legislation that took effect in 1997 that allows terminally ill patients to obtain lethal doses of medication from their doctors. No other U.S. state has such a law.

President Bush's government is challenging the measure, arguing that hastening someone's death is an improper use of medication of thus violates federal drug laws.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on Oct. 5. Supporters of the assisted suicide law say a favorable high court ruling could lead other states to follow Oregon's lead.

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And running to the courts to intervene, no less. What will we tell the children?

Same as always, I guess. Republicans are hypocritical scumbags who will tell lies under only two conditions: (1) When it suits their political purpose; and (b) when they feel like it.