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Debbie Ziegler holds a photo of her daughter, Brittany Maynard, as she receives congratulations from Ellen Pontac, after a right-to die measure was approved by the Assembly in Sacramento, California Apexchange

California has legalised assisted suicide

Opponents said the measure could prompt premature suicides.

CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS GAVE final approval yesterday to a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to legally end their lives.

The measure faces an uncertain future with Governor Jerry Brown, a former Jesuit seminarian who has not said whether he will sign it.

Senators approved the bill on a 23-14 vote after an emotional debate on the final day of the legislative session.

“Eliminate the needless pain and the long suffering of those who are dying,” urged Democratic Senator Lois Wolk, one of the bill’s co-authors.

Opponents said the measure could prompt premature suicides.

“I’m not going to push the old or the weak out of this world, and I think that could be the unintended consequence of this legislation,” said Republican Senator Ted Gaines.

The measure to allow doctors to prescribe life-ending medication succeeded on its second attempt after the heavily publicized case of Brittany Maynard. The 29-year-old California woman with brain cancer moved to Oregon to legally take her life.

Her relatives tearfully watched the debate from the Senate floor, while supporters lined the Senate balcony.

A previous version passed the Senate but stalled in the Assembly until lawmakers there took it up in a special legislative session. The move to bypass the usual process drew criticism from the governor.

The revised measure includes requirements that the patient be physically capable of taking the medication themselves, that two doctors approve it, that the patient submit several written requests, and that there be two witnesses.

Doctors in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana already can prescribe life-ending drugs.

Read: A 29-year-old woman explains why she’s planned her death – next month

Read: Brittany Maynard deserves our compassion – and her bravery deserves our attention

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12 Comments
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    Mute Mick McGuinness
    Favourite Mick McGuinness
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    Sep 12th 2015, 7:48 AM

    Now people who want to die with dignity can, may it only be used for this purpose. People will say it’s wrong but we don’t know what its like to have a disease where there is no cure or hope. At least now it wil be their decision when to go.

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    Mute Trev heff
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    Sep 12th 2015, 7:51 AM

    Finally logic and compassion is winning out

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    Mute David O'Sullivan
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    Sep 12th 2015, 7:47 AM

    Hopefully the rest of the world will follow suit. I know myself I’d I was diagnosed with MND or something along those lines it’s what I’d want…

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    Mute Missyb211
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    Sep 12th 2015, 7:59 AM

    This is being passed by the heart now it’s time to think with the head. I’m not against it but as it is a means to shortening people’s lives, we have to be very watchful. We can’t be afford to be naive about this. The first thing that came to my head was, will insurance companies add it to policies in the cases of terminal illness? It has to be very controlled imo.

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    Mute jane
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    Sep 12th 2015, 8:06 AM

    Also what about those who feel a burden to family. They may not want to die but because the option is there they feel a pressure to take it. I’m not saying the families would apply pressure but it must be hard to feel like a burden on the people you love.

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    Mute John Reese
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    Sep 12th 2015, 8:16 AM

    All the slagging America gets here they (or one of their states) are usually the front runners in change

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    Mute Annie Citric
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    Sep 12th 2015, 8:09 AM

    Opponents are afraid the legislation will prompt ‘premature’ suicides? What the hell does that mean?

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    Mute Fran Cowzer
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    Sep 12th 2015, 9:42 AM

    It should be legalised your life is really the only thing that you own so if you’re terminally ill with cancer or motor neuron it should be your decision

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    Mute Ian James Burgess
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    Sep 12th 2015, 8:25 AM

    It will be legalised all over Europe soon enough as we have a massive older and ill generation that cost so much. Maybe I’m just a cynic

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Sep 12th 2015, 10:42 AM

    You missed the Commons vote yesterday?

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    Mute Fran Heavey
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    Sep 12th 2015, 9:07 AM

    In genuine cases,this looks like a great leap forward but boy is it going to open a massive can of worms……

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    Mute Terry McClatchey
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    Sep 12th 2015, 11:39 AM

    Why a can of worms? Careful thought and legislation is required to stop abuse but Switzerland has not been devoured by giant worms.

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