Mr. Chairman, when Oregonians first adopted the Death With Dignity Act and then defended it on a second ballot initiative, they sent their government a clear message. When the American people resisted government interference in the tragic case of Terri Schiavo, they sent their government a clear message. That message is that death is an intensely personal and private moment, and in those moments, the government ought to leave well enough alone.

Ron Wyden, (May 25, 2006), Speech of Senator Wyden: Wyden Testifies in Support of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act at Judiciary Committee Hearing, United States Senate.