PORTLAND, February 20, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A steady number of Oregon residents are using the state’s 1998 assisted suicide law to end their lives. In 2002, reports suggest that up to 30 people sought suicide prescriptions from doctors with the assistance of Compassion in Dying, a right to die counselling group. That compares to 17 clients in 2001 and 21 the year before. Between 1998 and 2001, 91 people legally took their own lives in the state. Most were older, on average more highly educated, and had private health insurance. U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft is making an attempt to overturn the Oregon law with a suit currently before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On its face, a ruling from the top court could be comparable in impact to Roe v. Wade, quashing a local state law by means of federal court power. Arizona’s legislature is now also considering an assisted-suicide bill. For newswire coverage: http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=ourWorldNews&storyID=2252958 See related coverage: OREGON STUDY SAYS ‘CONTROL’ IS REASON FOR ‘CHOICE OF ASSISTED SUICIDE http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/aug/02082321.html U.S. GOVERNMENT TO CHALLENGE OREGON SUICIDE LAW http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2002/sep/02092407.html