Compassion in Hemlock

Right-to-die groups plan to merge next year, writes Don Colburn of the Oregonian. Denver-based End-of-Life Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society) and Compassion in Dying of Oregon will merge to form Compassion and Choices. Plans for a drive-through death service have not been announced.

UPDATED: Bush Administration Appeals Decision on Oregon Assisted Suicide Law

The lifenews.com site reports something that most papers missed today: Ashcroft has made one of his last acts (no pun intended) the appeal (today) of a federal appellate court's decision restricting the fed from stopping the use of drugs in assisted suicide in Oregon. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which, along with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, has held that assisted suicide is constitutionally protected, will hear the case. That means it is likely headed for the Supreme Court, to no one's surprise. (UPDATE 11/10: BBC reports on the efforts of other states and on international reaction.)