37 people kill selves in Oregon in 2004 under assisted-suicide law

[truthpusher]

http://www.wkbn.com/Global/story.asp?S=3061688&nav=81Al2QEr

Thirty-seven people kill selves in Oregon in 2004 under assisted-suicide law
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PORTLAND, Ore. Officials in Oregon says 37 terminally ill people took their own lives last year under the state's assisted suicide law.

(snip)

The average age was 64, according to the report from the Oregon Department of Human Services. As in the past, most of the patients suffered from cancer.

complete story: http://www.wkbn.com/Global/story.asp?S=3061688&nav=81Al2QEr

[ClintonTyree]

1. I pretty much know that I'm going to take this route later on.........

chronic pain, a spine that is dissolving at an alarming rate. I will not live life in a hospital bed and be a burden on my family. I'm not talking about the very near future here, but probably 10-15 years or so. I'm 55 now and everything is going to hell.
Oregon is the most sane state in the Union. And for all of those religious assholes that won't let people die with dignity, Kiss My Ass! It's none of your damn business, so butt out!

[pie]

4. Are you bitter? Are you sad?

Chronic pain is horrible

[Pastiche423]

6. It was a wise choice I made

when I moved to Oregon.

I do worry a bit knowing that Gonzalass has taken up where asscroft left off.

[classof56]

7. As a long-time Oregonian, I thank you.

I strongly believe we are one of those most progressive and humane places I know of. There are so many things that are none of my business, but near the top is the ability for a person to choose his/her own destiny based upon their experiences. I am just sorry that voters changed our constitution in November to deliberately discriminate against a group of our citizens (Gay Marriage Amendment). However one feels about the issue, a constitutional amendment was totally uncalled for. Perhaps we'll get sane about that one sometime soon.

Blessings to you, and remember--Oregon welcomes you!

[CornField]

2. We should afford people the same dignity we afford our pets.

May they all rest in peace and may their families be blessed with wonderful memories.

[despairing optimist]

3. It sounds awful, but the only thing worse is living to suffer

Better to die with dignity, IMHO. It's the final empowerment that an individual can have, and it should be his or her choice alone.

[Anakin Skywalker]

5. Agreed, My Friend.

[0rganism]

8. In 2003, Oregon had 512 traffic fatalities, up 17% from 2002

Of those 512, 40% (207) were alcohol related.

Somehow our suicide law seems to get a lot more press.