THE END OF LIFE OPTIONS ACT GAINS TRACTION AT THE LEGISLATURE. THE BILL IS NAMED AFTER ELIZABETH WHITFIELD, THE FORMER FAMILY COURT JUDGE WHO DIED OF BREAST CANCER LAST AUGUST AT THE AGE OF 71. LIZ STEFANICS IS SPONSORING THE BILL IN THE SENATE TO CHANGE THE LAW SO IT WOULD BE LEGAL FOR DOCTORS TO PRESCRIBE LETHAL MEDICATION FOR PATIENTS WHO WANT TO DIE.
THE MEASURE PASSED IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON A 4-TO-3 VOTE. DOCTORS WOULD BE ABLE TO PRESCRIBE THE MEDICINE ONLY IF A PERSON HAS LESS THAN SIX MONTHS TO LIVE, CAN MAKE THAT DECISION ON THEIR OWN, AND CAN ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION THEMSELVES. THERE’S AN IDENTICAL BILL IN THE STATE HOUSE.
