by Evan J. Kemp Jr.

About the author: Evan J. Kemp Jr. was chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during President George Bush’s administration. He is senior partner of Evan Kemp Associates, Inc., a health and mobility company owned and operated by disabled people.

On Jan. 8, 1997, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Washington v. Glucksberg and Vacco v. Quill. At issue is the question of whether or not “terminally ill” individuals have an inherent “right to die.” And, if so, should a licensed physician be granted the legal right to assist in the “suicide” of a patient? [On June 26, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not guarantee a “right to die.” However, states are not precluded...