House votes to expand assisted suicide law

House Republican Leader Issues Statement Following House Passage of House Bill 2279 – Radical Expansion of Assisted Suicide
By House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson

SALEM, OR – House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) issued the following statement after the House passage of House Bill 2279, the repeal of the residency requirement for assisted suicide or Oregon’s “Death with Dignity Act.”

“Since 1997, assisted suicide has been legal in Oregon. Oregon voters had specific limitations in mind when they passed Ballot Measure 16, including prior established care with a provider, and that they be a resident of the State of Oregon. Today, the House voted to repeal these limitations, allowing Oregon physicians to prescribe this medication to out-of-state residents,” said Leader Breese-Iverson. “I am deeply concerned about the repercussions of this decision and how this will make Oregon appear on the national stage. This radical expansion of assisted suicide is the latest example of the majority party exerting their authority over Oregon voters. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to vote no on this legislation. This is too extreme for Oregon.”

House Bill 2279 will now be referred to the Senate.