The Sunday News
California lawmakers have passed a bill allowing terminally ill patients to legally end their lives with the help of a physician. The End of Life Option Act, approved in the State Senate on Friday, will go to Governor Jerry Brown for final approval or veto. The measure was passed by the State Assembly on Wednesday. The bill allows doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to patients who are given six months or less by two doctors.
“By an overwhelming majority across all groups — religious, ethnic, geographic, no matter what age or gender — Californians want us to act to eliminate the needless pain and prolonged suffering of those who are dying,” said state Senator Lois Wolk, a co-author of the bill.
Republican Senator Ted Gaines, who opposed the bill, said the legislation is akin to pushing “the old or the weak out of this world.”
“I think that could be the unintended consequence of this legislation,” he added.
The bill was inspired by 29-year-old Brittany Maynard, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. After realising that her condition was terminal, Maynard moved to Oregon, where it is legal for physicians to help patients end their own lives. She died on November 1, 2014.
If Governor Brown signs the bill, California will become the fifth state to legalize assisted suicide. The practice is legal in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana. There is considerable opposition to the measure, especially from religious groups who say only God can decide when a life will end. Rights groups are also concerned about the potential abuse of the law. — PressTV
