Contempo: Ethical Issues of Human Embryos Research and Physician-Assisted Suicide

To the Editor. —Dr Pellegrino¹ writes that the Oregonian newspaper was an "enthusiastic promoter" of Oregon's Death With Dignity Act,² and refers to the December 4, 1994, edition. In fact, the Oregonian was implacably opposed to the ballot measure, as evidenced by two strongly worded editorials (Oregonian. October 20, 1994, and November 2, 1994, metro section), by its unequivocal "no" vote recommendation on ballot measure 16 (Oregonian. November 3, 1994, metro section), and by many feature articles. He writes, "Pharmacists...would have to fill prescriptions." The law specifically states that no health care provider shall be under any duty, whether by contract, by statute, or by any other legal requirement, to participate in the provision to a qualified patient of medication to end his or her life. If Pellegrino has read the law, he will know that choice and voluntary participation are two of its cornerstones.

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