Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Oregon’s Assisted-Suicide Law
As I have written previously I am morally against physician assisted suicide. In my mind this action crosses an ethical line which troubles me.
However, I also consider myself a libertarian and a supporter of States’ Rights. While I disagree personally with the Oregon law, I must support their right to develop statute on this issue.
This decision would make an outstanding test question for law students. The issues are very complex. I personally must separate my personal philosophy about physician assisted suicide (strongly against) from the implications of the Attorney General being able to prosecute physicians who choose to help patients in need.
While I believe that physician assisted suicide leads to a slippery slope, so does a decision in favor of the Federal Government being able to prosecute physicians.
So I hope the Supreme Court will deny the Attorney General’s office their motion. And I hope other states refrain from passing such laws.
