Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington State is one step closer to adopting an Oregon-style Death with Dignity law.

Supporters of I-1000 Wednesday submitted well over the number of signatures they need to get the measure on this November’s ballot. As Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins reports, opponents prayed while supporters cheered.

Supporters of I-1000 rally on steps of Washington statehouse

On the steps of the capitol, former Governor Booth Gardner took the podium. Feeble with Parkinson’s he announced a major milestone in what he often calls his last campaign.

Booth Gardner: “I’m here to announce that we have turned into the Secretary of State 320,000 signatures.”

That means I-1000 is all but sure to make it on the fall ballot.

For the first time since 1991, Washington voters will be asked to decide if physician assisted suicide – or aid in dying as proponents call it – should be allowed. Specifically for terminally ill patients with less than six months to live.

Also on the steps of the Capitol, opponents sang and prayed. Katherine Sauvage and Alice Sires say the term Death with Dignity masks what I-1000 is really about.

Katherine Sauvage: “This is about assisted suicide. This is Orwellian speak, this is 1984 choice speak. It’s very sad so God bless all of them."

Alice Sires: “It’s heading to euthanasia.”

Both sides intend to use the Oregon model to make their case for or against I-1000.

Supporters say Death with Dignity has worked in Oregon. Opponents counter that the safeguards that are in place are inadequate to protect vulnerable patients.

Online:

Yes on I-1000

No on I-1000