California Assembly approves right-to-die legislation

[cal04]

Source: LA Times

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.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/local/political/la-me-ln-california-lawmakers-vote-on-right-to-die-legislation-20150909-story.html

[Omaha Steve]

1. I'm terminal and Nebraska has no such law

K&R!

OS

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

2. We're all terminal. Some just get there faster than others.

I hope you are not in a great deal of pain. If it was legal in NE, are you saying you'd take advantage (when the time comes)?

I have a full bottle of Lorazepam in reserve. When I get a new one I use the old one and save the new one. If I ever need to make a quick exit, I'm not going to get anyone's permission. Just do It! A nice completely painless way to go.

[Omaha Steve]

3. When the time comes

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026641619

[PasadenaTrudy]

4. This is great news for us! n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

5. This is a good day for Californians.

[smirkymonkey]

6. This should be a federal law. Nobody should have to go on suffering

if they no longer choose to. Compassionate euthanasia should be the law of the land. I know I would want it to be there if I were ever to become a terminal case. I would be angry if I had to take my own life through violent or uncertain means if it came down to it.

I don't see why hospitals can't put you under like they do with surgery and give you enough of a lethal drug to stop your heart so that you don't feel anything once your are under. You wouldn't feel a thing and it would be completely peaceful and painless. I hope this becomes law before I get old, because I really would like this option.

[stuffmatters]

7. Ditto

[bemildred]

8. Being 70, I would be very grateful for this.

It would relieve a lot of worry to know I can get the job done right when the time comes.

[whatthehey]

9. Some day the whole civilized world will have such laws and more

It is unconscionable to force people to die in agony without control or dignity or choice when we have the power to change that. Even responsible dog and cat owners know when to let go, but we withhold that mercy from people who are often outrught begging for it.

[KamaAina]

10. Opponents of the bill, such as advocates for the disabled,

argued that the legislation might lead those with disabilities to be coerced to end their lives prematurely.

Our grave objection (pun intended ) in pictorial form:



edit: Much more here (yes, that's me debating Brittany Maynard's widower (not "husband&quot ):

http://cpa.ds.npr.org/kalw/audio/2015/08/150831cv.mp3

[harrose]

11. Why limit it to terminally ill patients?

Why shouldn't I be able to end my life even if not terminally ill? Don't I deserve the ability to die with dignity even if I'm not terminal? Or do I have to go out and do it on my own (with all the attendant problems that that causes -- body discovery by family, mess, etc.)?

[olddots]

12. the natural causes of death

are a legal hodge podge of money making bullshit .We all feel that we can own people's fates .This is a step in the logical direction but at the same time Steve I want you to outlast me .