erminally-ill person to end his life, many people are enlisting the services of physicians to ensure that the process is a painless one for the patient. In these cases, a physician provides the patient with a lethal dose of medication. Although illegal in most states, in November 1994, Oregon passed an initiative legalizing physician-assisted suicides, a law that is currently being challenged in the courts ("Hemlock Society: General Information" 1997).
             If a person wishes to retain his right to die, advance directives should be taken before a life-threatening illness commences. These include such legal documents as a living will or a health care proxy which outlines the patient's medical desires, should he become incapacitated. A power of attorney is also a recommended directive, which appoints a person (usually a family member) to act on the patient's behalf to ensure his wishes are honored ("Hemlock Society: General Information" 1997). This also includes, what is referred to as a do not resuscitate order (DNR) which is a written instruction that no resuscitation attempts should be made during cardiac arrest. This directive can come either from the patient himself or from family members involved in patient care.
             II. Medical ethics and the dilemma of euthanasia: Hemlock Society and opposing views
             The Hemlock Society is the oldest, nonprofit, right-to-die organization in the United States. It is responsible for educating the populace on euthanasia efforts and is also involved in grass-roots politicking on right-to-die issues. The Hemlock Society was responsible for Oregon's Measure 16 initiative which permits physicians to assist terminal patients in ending their lives, although remains tied up in the court system.
             The Society's primary responsibility is to educate interested persons and legislators on options concerning death and dying. It provides services which include brochures on patients' rights, "A Le...