he state Assembly on Wednesday approved a measure that would allow California physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients, sending the proposal to the Senate, which had previously approved a similar bill.
Modeled on a law in Oregon, the measure by Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) sparked an emotional debate, with many Republicans saying that it is immoral to assist in a suicide, but with supporters arguing that terminally ill Californians should have a choice to die peacefully without pain.
"I am committed to this issue of people being able to die on their own terms,'' said Eggman, a university professor with expertise in end-of-life care.
The legislation passed by a vote of 42-33 after Assembly members offered passionate, often deeply personal, arguments both in favor and against the bill.
Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown (D-Rialto) told lawmakers about her son, who was near death. Doctors urged her to let him go. Nineteen days later, he came off life support. He survived, and is now a husband and father.
"Doctors don't know everything," Brown said.
Assemblywoman Marie Waldron (R-Escondido) during the debate told members that "suicide should not be the first option where hospice and palliative care have not been tried."
Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), however, said the bill would give Californians choices about the kind, and quality, of life they want to have.
"A life lived in pain is not bearable for some people," he said.
Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Watsonville) argued the bill would allow those suffering from terminal illness to end their suffering in a peaceful and dignified manner.
Alejo's voice choked with emotion as he talked about his father, who is in pain suffering from terminal bone cancer, and how his father wanted to make his own decisions about the end of his life.
"Respect his choices," Alejo said.
The proposal gained momentum after Californian Brittany Maynard moved to Oregon last year so she could end her life with drugs to avoid suffering and the debilitating effects of brain cancer. In a videotaped appeal before her death, Maynard urged California lawmakers to pass the legislation.
However, a similar bill bogged down in an Assembly panel and the proposal had to be revived in a separate bill as part of a special session called by Gov. Jerry Brown on healthcare.
Maynard's husband and mother were joined on Wednesday by a dozen activists who watched the vote from the Assembly gallery. There were cheers, tears and hugs when the vote was cast.
Dan Diaz, Maynard's husband, was emotional in his response.
"There is a sense of pride in the Legislature," Diaz said. "Today it reaffirmed the reason Brittany spoke to begin with. The Legislature will no longer abandon the terminally ill where hospice and palliative care are no longer an option. They can have a gentle passing. "
Eggman recently amended her bill, AB X2-15, to sunset in 10 years, at which time lawmakers could review how the law worked and decide whether to grant an extension.
The End of Life Option Act would require patients to submit two oral requests, a minimum of 15 days apart, and a written request, and for the attending physician to personally receive all three requests.
The written request would be signed in front of two witnesses who must attest that the patient is of sound mind and not under duress.
Opponents of the bill, including the Catholic Church and advocates for the disabled, voiced concern that the legislation might result in those with disabilities being coerced to end their life prematurely.
It is unclear whether the bill will be signed by Brown, a former Jesuit seminary student.
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California Assembly approves right-to-die legislation - LA Times
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