    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 26, 1997]
    [Pages 829-830]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision on Physician-Assisted Suicide
    June 26, 1997

        I am very pleased with today's Supreme Court decision which accepted
    my administration's position that States may ban physician-assisted
    suicide. The decision is a victory for all Americans--it prevents us
    from going down a very dangerous and troubling path on this difficult
    and often agonizing issue.

    [[Page 830]]

        With today's decision, the Court voices its concern that there is a
    significant distinction between assisting in death and allowing death to
    occur. Not only is this an important legal distinction, it is also a
    distinction of deep moral and ethical implications.
        I have a great deal of sympathy and a profound respect for those who
    suffer from incurable illnesses and for their families. I have had a
    number of family members die from painful and protracted illnesses. Even
    so, I have always expressed my strong opposition to physician-assisted
    suicide. I believe that it is wrong and have always believed it to be
    wrong.
        This issue is unavoidably heart-rendering, and we must never ignore
    the agony of terminally ill patients, but the Supreme Court made the
    right decision today. The risks and consequences of physician-assisted
    suicide are simply too great.