The 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.
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