By Ines Guerin
According to the dictionary, "euthanasia" is "the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit."
In 1997 Oregon adopted the "Death with Dignity Act," which permits physician-assisted suicide. The state became one of three places in the world in which euthanasia is legal; the other two are the Netherlands and Belgium.
A Feb. 15 article in The Economist said that although the words "euthanasia" and "assisted suicide" are synonymous, some advocates object to the word "suicide," claiming the term distorts political debate.
A Gallup poll in May showed that 69 percent of Americans support assisted death, but the number goes down if the label "suicide" is actually applied.
Oregonians in general and University of Portland students in particular expressed various opinions about this controversial theme.
Mallory Fry, a sophomore biology major, said she does not think people would support euthanasia more if it were called "euthanasia" versus "physician-assisted suicide."
Graduate student Linda Favero said, regardless of her position, euthanasia provides a more clinical term that may be more palatable to some people.
"I think the term 'suicide' is perceived more negatively, especially with Senator Smith's national awareness campaign associated with his son's suicide," Favero said.
Last year Senator Gordon Smith wrote a book about the loss of his son, who committed suicide. He became an advocate of suicide prevention and mental health programs, and his actions authorized federal funds to support suicide prevention efforts for the first time in history.
Fry said she is personally against euthanasia, except in extreme cases where a person is terminally ill and there is nothing doctors can do to alleviate his or her pain and suffering.
According to Fry, it is interesting that Oregon has taken particular notice in this case.
"I actually like the fact that there is a law about euthanasia, because I believe that the legislation will help better regulate how often it is performed as well as how it is done," Fry said.
Josh Noam, Campus Ministry assistant faith director, said the adoption of the word "euthanasia" instead of "assisted-suicide" makes sense because "we shape reality with the way we talk." However, whatever people call it, the reality is the same and killing another person is morally unacceptable, even if it is requested, Noam said.
"For Christians life is a gift and we don't have any power to rule it," Noam said. "American culture is very individualistic, especially the scientific community, but we as Christians have to respect and honor life."
Graduate student Jaime Flemming said it is positive that Oregon is open to people's right to choose death, rather than forcing them to face the long painful road of some diseases.
"After all, death is just another stage of life," Flemming said. "However, it does cloud the ethical issues of doctors. Therefore the topic is murky."
Even though Flemming applauds Oregon for allowing euthanasia, she doubts she would ever choose it.
Graduate student Phoebe Kruger said she supports euthanasia if a person is in endless pain and going to die.
"It is your right to choose to die painlessly and with dignity, at the time of your choosing," Kruger said.
Paul Myers, director of health services, said the University Health Center has no expertise or role relative to this controversial topic. Staff members do not use their positions in the Health Center as a platform to announce personal beliefs or political positions, particularly on matters outside of student health, counseling and disability services.
"We consider such pronouncements to be an abuse of our position, and an activity that risks alienating segments of the University community," Myers said. "Our primary purpose for being in this community is to provide services to all, regardless of their political beliefs."
According to Myers, Oregon State Law is very specific about which health care and mental health care providers are allowed to participate in the process of euthanasia. Most providers in the state would not qualify as participants and would probably decline to participate for professional and personal reasons, Myers said.
