Timeline for Oregon's Death with Dignity Law

By None, Associated Press, Aug. 27, 2005

Following is a list of some of the significant events in the legal battle between the U.S. government and the state of Oregon over assisted suicide:

1994 — Oregonians approve Measure 16, the nation's first law permitting physician-assisted suicide. A U.S. District Court judge prevents it from going into effect, calling it unconstitutional because it lifts society's protection against self-harm for a vulnerable class of people, the terminally ill.

1997 — President Clinton signs legislation barring use of federal money for physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia.

1997 — Oregon Legislature approves measure for Nov. 4 ballot, asking voters to decide whether Measure 16 should be repealed.

Oct. 27, 1997 — Oregon's Death With Dignity Act takes effect when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifts injunction that had blocked the law's implementation.

Nov. 4, 1997 — Oregon voters reject proposed repeal of law.

Nov. 5, 1997 — U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says federal law can be used to penalize doctors who prescribe federally controlled drugs for patients to commit suicide.

April 2, 1998 — U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno reverses DEA position, saying federal law does not prohibit Oregon doctors from participating in assisted suicide. Legislation in Congress to block the Oregon law eventually falters.

Nov. 6, 2001 — U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft says assisted suicide is not a legitimate medical practice and he would use Controlled Substances Act to punish doctors who prescribe federally controlled drugs to help terminally ill patients die.

Nov. 7, 2001 — Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers files suit in federal court seeking to prevent federal government from shutting down assisted-suicide law.

Nov. 8, 2001 — U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jones issues 10-day stay barring implementation of Ashcroft order.

Nov. 20, 2001 — Judge Jones extends stay four months.

Feb. 21, 2002 — Ashcroft appeals Jones' ruling.

April 17, 2002 — Judge Jones places permanent injunction on Ashcroft directive.

Sept. 23, 2002 — Ashcroft appeals Jones' ruling to 9th Circuit Court.

May 26, 2004 — 9th Circuit orders Bush administration not to meddle with Oregon's assisted suicide law.

Feb. 26, 2005 — The Supreme Court agrees to hear arguments regarding Oregon's assisted suicide law in its next term. Arguments are set for Oct. 5.

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