Legislation that would authorize people with terminal illnesses to request life-ending drugs from physicians is again before state lawmakers in the state of New York, though top lawmakers are either skeptical about its chances or firmly opposed.
Undeterred, several supporters gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday,
hoping stories of loved ones lost to painful illness might convince
lawmakers to add New York to the list of five states that already allow
physician-assisted suicide.
The bill before the Assembly and the Senate would allow terminally ill
people to request life-ending drugs from physicians. Two doctors would
have to certify that a patient is competent to make the decision and is
suffering from a terminal illness, and physicians could refuse to
participate for any reason. Two witnesses would be required to be
present when a patient completes a written request.
