Bioethics expert can discuss ruling on state’s assisted suicide law

An Ohio State University expert can discuss Wednesday’s ruling by a federal appeals court (in Oregon v. Ashcroft) that the Bush administration could not interfere with a state’s assisted suicide law and that doctors in Oregon may prescribe lethal doses of medication to terminally ill patients.

Marc Spindelman, assistant professor in the Moritz College of Law, is a nationally known expert in bioethics. He says the ruling is reason for concern. According to Spindelman, the Ninth Circuit’s decision suggests that regulating the practice of medicine is the states’ job. If it is, a range of health care choices, including reproductive rights, may be enjoyed--or not--at the states’ pleasure. He can be reached at (614) 292-9913.