September 8, 2000

The Pain Relief Promotion Act (H.R.2260) is a legislative measure of significant importance to the Orthodox Jewish community's values. It is a bipartisan measure that has already passed the House, and is expected to be taken up late next week by the U.S. Senate - where its lead sponsors are Don Nickles (R-OK), Joe Lieberman (D-CT).

In the arena of medical care and ethics, H.R.2260 will promote a policy in the interest of American society that is also consistent with the view of traditional Jewish teaching on the subjects of assisted suicide and care for the ill; it favors aggressive palliative care for those suffering pain and disfavors physician assisted suicide. 

The legislation will make clear that federally controlled drugs may not be utilized by doctors to assist patients to commit suicide. The legislation will create additional protections under the law for physicians who use controlled substances to relieve patients' extreme pain. The measure provides a "safe harbor" for doctors who prescribe controlled substances to reduce pain even if the use of such drugs unintentionally leads to a patient's death. 

This bipartisan legislation is supported by a wide array of groups including the American Medical Association, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the National Hospice Association. Its passage, however, is not certain. Opponents of the bill have spread a great deal of misinformation about its provisions and their impact on medical practice. 

For more detailed information regarding the legislation and the issues it deals with, visit our public policy library at www.ou.org/public/Publib/suicide.htm

Please contact your U.S. Senator as soon as possible to convey your opinion on this important legislation. 


Richard Stone, Chairman IPA
Nathan J. Diament,   Director IPA