NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - A House panel on Tuesday approved a bill that would limit doctors' opportunity to commit assisted suicide, even in places where it is legal such as Oregon.

      The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill sponsored by committee chairman Henry Hyde, R-Illinois, which prohibits the dispensing or distribution of federally regulated drugs for the purpose of assisting suicide. Violators could lose their license to prescribe federally regulated drugs and could face criminal prosecution.

      "I am concerned about old people who don't want to be a burden on their families," said Hyde before sending the bill for a vote by the full House. Democrat opponents argued that the bill will discourage doctors from prescribing adequate medication. Even if the bill is signed into law, the Justice Department has already said it would not pursue doctors who commit assisted suicide where it is legal, including Oregon which is the only state where the practice is allowed.