Changing Definitions Expands Law

When Oregon passed its assisted suicide law, advocates claimed there were safeguards to protect against abuse or expansion of the law.  Those so-called safeguards are quickly deteriorating.  They redefined the term “terminal” to include most any condition.  And changed the term “self-administration” of the lethal drug to include adding it in a feeding tube or lethal injection.  Now the fifteen-day waiting period can be waived.  Pro-euthanasia people say, “Not to worry.  The assisted suicide law hasn’t been expanded.”  Truth is, they’re expanding the law by changing the interpretation of the law.  Holland dramatically expanded their law by redefining it to include those who simply feel they have a “completed life.”  It’s a dangerous slippery slope.