WASHINGTON, (February 28, 1997) -- The General Counsel of the United States Catholic Conference (USCC) has issued a statement on the decision of the Ninth Circuit ordering reinstatement of the Oregon measure which allows physicians to facilitate the suicides of terminally ill patients.

"The decision strikes a blow against some of our nation's most vulnerable citizens, devaluing their lives and placing them outside the protection of the law," Mark E. Chopko said. "We are disappointed too in the Court's failure to take into greater consideration the rights of religious and other health care providers who object on moral and conscientious grounds to physician-assisted suicide."

Mr. Chopko added that the USCC is studying the Court's opinion to ensure that the legal challenge against the law moves forward.

Full text of Mr. Chopko's statement

For media inquiries, e-mail us at commdept@usccb.org
Department of Communications | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.