USA: A LANDMARK CASE INTO DOCTOR-ASSISTED SUICIDE AT THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT BRINGS OUT DEMONSTRATORS FOR THIS EMOTINALLY CHARGED ISSUE

Record ID: 337785

  • Title: USA: A LANDMARK CASE INTO DOCTOR-ASSISTED SUICIDE AT THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT BRINGS OUT DEMONSTRATORS FOR THIS EMOTINALLY CHARGED ISSUE
  • Date: 8th January 1997
  • Summary: WASHINGTON, D.C. UNITED STATES (JANUARY 8, 1997) (RTV - ACCESS ALL) 1. SV DEMONSTRATORS IN FAVOUR OF DOCTOR ASSISTED SUICIDE WALKING PAST THE SUPREME COURT 0.07 2. SV WOMAN IN A WHEELCHAIR 0.14 3. SLV WOMAN WITH A BANNER AGAINST THE CASE 3. SLV SUPPORTERS OF ASSISTED SUICIDE 0.20 4. SV WOMAN WITH BANNER SAYING "PITY
  • Embargoed: 23rd January 1997 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: WASHINGTON, D.C. UNITED STATES
  • City:
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVAF5CWQ4PKV3A85VT4XK5L1YKJS
  • Story Text: INTRO: A landmark case into doctor-assisted suicide at the United States Supreme Court brought out large numbers of demonstrators for this emotionally charged issue.

    Demonstrators in wheelchairs braved the bitter cold outside the United States Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 8) carrying banners saying "Not dead yet". A smaller group from the Hemlock Society intermingled with their banners advocating the freedom to choose a painless death if terminally ill.

    Inside the court two landmark cases were beginning which raised the issues of whether a state law which prosecutes anyone who aids another person to attempt suicide deny the rights of mentally-competent patients to choose the manner in which they want to die.

    Carol Cleigh, a disability rights activist said she was scared of what the result of the cases could mean for disabled people like herself. Cleigh's main concern was despite her acknowledgement that doctor-assisted suicide takes place in many instances, it should not become permitted into law as it may become abused.

    Marvin Cramer of the Hemlock Society explained that what he wanted from the law was for people who were mentally competent to be able to die without pain in what he called "dignity".


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