The Oregonian
April 23, 2002

Letter to the editor: For autonomy in life and death

Our disability rights organization was pleased to read in the April 15 article by Michael Wilson of the capability of U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones, whose decision in Oregon vs. Ashcroft was released on April 17. It took a wise and experienced jurist to set aside the extraneous issues and deliver a just decision in this important case.

Contrary to Wilson's characterization of the disability issues as a "side show" [to the issue of physician-assisted suicide], they were an important part of the main event. Our opponent disability organizations presented extraneous issues designed to divert attention from the real issue -- the autonomy of competent terminally ill individuals. Fortunately, the true interests of the majority of people with disabilities who support the Oregon law prevailed.

The law does not authorize anyone with a disability to have assistance in dying unless the person is terminally ill. Several safeguards ensure that such decisions are entirely voluntary. We believe that the people of Oregon have addressed the legitimate concerns of people with disabilities in a responsible and admirable manner. We are pleased that the attorney general has been enjoined.

ANDREW BATAVIA President, AUTONOMY Inc. Miami Beach, Fla.