Assisted suicide group offers education

By SUSIE XU
Collegian Staff Writer

Although Oregon legalized doctor-assisted suicides in 1997, Pennsylvania will not be following in its tracks any time soon, despite the efforts of the Hemlock Society of Central Pennsylvania.

Oregon follows regulations stated in the Death with Dignity Act introduced in 1994. According to the act, a person who seeks a physician-assisted suicide must meet a number of specific criteria, including having less than six months to live and convincing two physicians he or she has made the decision voluntarily and with thought.

Jane Beylouny, president of the Hemlock Society, 780 Waupelani Extension, said the group is advocating Pennsylvania's adoption of the same guidelines. The society focuses on educating people about patients' rights, end-of-life decisions, assisted-suicide legal issues, living wills and other options for patients.

Beylouny said although local residents have shown interest in the issue, the organization has found it difficult to gain support in the state Legislature.

"We figure it will be a while before anything is done (in Pennsylvania)," Beylouny said.

Sandy Schuckers, administrative officer at the Centre County Office of Aging, said the office does not commonly deal with such issues as assisted suicide. However, if a patient wants to be informed of available end-of-life decisions, they are referred to the Hemlock Society.

In Pennsylvania, an assisted suicide is considered a second-degree felony if patients kills themselves with only the assistance of another person, Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar said.

However, when another person actually commits the act, as was the situation in last week's Commonwealth v. Brandt case, the crime is considered first-degree murder.

"(Brandt) did it all and that makes it murder," Gricar said.

Dietrich R. Brandt, 67, of State College was found guilty last week of first- and third-degree murder. He was charged with killing his wife, Louise Brandt, in May by striking her on the head with an oxygen tank. Witnesses testified Louise Brandt was very ill at the time of her death and repeatedly asked to die.

Beylouny said Brandt's act was one of desperation, adding the outcome may have been different if the Death with Dignity Act was installed.

"If a choice is available, it makes a person feel better right away. It enables a better death in many ways," Beylouny said.