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March 28, 2005

Americans Approve of Doctor Assisted Suicide

(via Blue Oregon):

SRBI Public Affairs conducted a nationwide poll for Time Magazine that has direct implications for Oregonians. Aside from the fact that the President's approval rating is down 5 points in a week, take a look at these numbers:

Q16. UNDER OREGON LAW, TERMINALLY-ILL ADULTS MAY REQUEST THAT A PHYSICIAN ADMINISTER A LETHAL DOSE OF MEDICATION TO END THEIR LIFE. DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THIS OREGON LAW?

Agree -- 52%

Disagree -- 41%

Don't Know -- 7%

While the wording of this poll (leaving out the term "suicide") undoubtedly affected the results (when does it not, though?), it's nonetheless significant that a majority of Americans agree with our law.

It's time for Physician Assisted Suicide advocates and others in favor of this law to rev up the PR machine.

After the Schiavo situation, the "culture of life unless we don't like your politics and then we'll murder you where you stand" crowd is out for blood. Oregon's law is a target they've long sought to bullseye.

Thankfully, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden has been working hard to keep Congress' hands off of our law. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) has also been on the case. But the rest of Oregon's legislative contingent must get on board immediately.

I don't want the Republican Party deciding my end of life issues. I don't want the Democratic Party to do it either, for that matter. These issues are best left to the individual families and loved ones involved.

Posted by Carla at March 28, 2005 09:00 AM