(Number of Oregonians who died by government-sponsored euthanasia rose 80% last year).

Report, The, March, 2003 by Celeste McGovern

* The number of Oregonians who died by government-sponsored euthanasia rose 80% last year, according to a report released this month by health officials in the state. Thirty-eight patients died by doctor-assisted suicide last year, up from 21 the year before to the highest level since Oregon became the first and only state in America to legalize euthanasia with its Death With Dignity Act.

The figures are expected to roil the continuing euthanasia debate in Oregon, where the Bush administration is set to go to Appeal Court May 7, attempting to overturn the state euthanasia law on grounds it violates federal drug laws.