Media Advisory

Contact: Greg Eddleston - geddleston@dwd.org / (503) 228.4415

On Wednesday, May 7, 2003, oral arguments in Oregon v. Ashcroft begin before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  These legal proceedings are the result of the Attorney General's appeal of U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones' written decision (April 17, 2002).  The Ninth Circuit Court's decision will determine the immediate future of Oregon's Death with Dignity law.

In 2002, thirty-eight terminally ill Oregonians used the Death with Dignity law.  This number, a slight increase from the preceding four years, represents a fraction (less than 1/8 of one percent) of the more than 30,000 deaths in the state last year.  The majority of participants were older (median age was 69), well educated and nearly every patient had some form of health insurance.  Every individual was able to die at home and 92% were enrolled in hospice care.  Thirty-three physicians wrote a total of 58 prescriptions.

As in the preceding years, individuals using the law cited loss of autonomy, a decreased ability to participate in fulfilling activities and losing control of bodily functions as their primary motivation.

The Oregon Death with Dignity Center is the legal defense, public policy and education nonprofit representing an Oregon physician and pharmacist in this case.

Portland Attorney Eli Stutsman and Oregon Death with Dignity Executive Director Scott Blaine Swenson will be available on the courthouse steps immediately following the hearing for interviews.  For additional information, please contact Oregon Death with Dignity at (503) 228.4415.

Where: Steps of the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, 1000 SW 3rd Avenue (corner of 3rd and Salmon), Downtown Portland

When:   Wednesday, May 7th, between 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM.

For the latest information on the Death with Dignity law and the suit against Ashcroft, please visit us on the web at www.dwd.org. 

Or visit www.backoffjohn.com for a look at Oregon Death with Dignity's online activism.

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