PORTLAND. Yesterday, a physician in Salem, OR refused to kill a man with terminal cancer. Citing his religious belief that killing is wrong, the physician declined the man’s request that he prescribe a lethal dose of medication. “Under Oregon law, I have the right to die and given his profession this doctor has no right to refuse to participate!” the man asserted. A federal judge agreed and the physician has been jailed until he changes his religious and moral views or resigns his job. He will be held with the 3 physicians currently serving terms for refusing to perform abortions.
This satirical news headline was sent to us by a physician who could not post it himself because of restrictions within his physician group on posting things that are political. But the questions it raises are worth considering in the current conversation.