New Jersey Approves Right to Die Bill

On Thursday, New Jersey’s Assembly approved a bill that would authorize physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients. 

The bill establishes a procedure for patients to request to end their lives.  After a patient is given a prognosis of six months or less to live, a second doctor must certify the original terminal diagnosis and confirm the patient is capable of making the decision to die.  Additionally, the attending physician would have to offer the patient a chance to rescind their request.  A consulting physician would then certify the original diagnosis and reaffirm the patient is able to make a decision.     

Janet Colbert, who is suffering from a rare and incurable form of liver cancer, was at the state capitol to show her support for the bill.  “I would like to know that I had a choice if it goes away that I’m not comfortable with, or the pain is unmanageable,” she said. 

Opponents to the bill have said life expectancy estimates can often be wrong, and the bill “is a recipe for elder abuse.”  Dr. Ana Gomes said, “This bill completely eradicates what the role of a physician is.  We’re a healer.  We’re not killer.” 

The bill now awaits further action by the Senate.  Governor Chris Christie opposes the measure.  John Burzichelli, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, says he is not disheartened by Christie’s opposition, “The bill doesn’t leave here today and go to his desk . . . [T]hings change over time.  So I would hope, as it continues to make its way through, a better understanding is hand by all.”

See New Jersey Assembly Approves Assisted Suicide Bill, CBS New York, Nov. 13, 2014.