High Court Clashes Over Assisted Suicide

Seems we're at it again. Attorney General Gonzales has taken up where Ashcroft has left off, seeking to weaken the Oregon Death with Dignity Act at the Supreme Court. Arguing that doctors do not have the right to prescribe federally controlled substances for the purpose of causing death, Gonzales is not seeking to overturn the law, per se. Rather, he seeks to establish who has the right to regulate certain drugs.

Frankly, the legalities of this boggle my mind. On the one hand, I certainly agree with Gonzales on this: states shouldn't be allowed to change federal guidelines on drug use. On the other hand, it seems to me that the only ethical use of drugs is to make people more comfortable, reduce symptoms, and, if possible, eliminate or slow the progression of disease. It certainly will be interesting to see how our new Chief Justice handles this case.