The California legislature has brought back a right to die bill that had previously been defeated by anti-euthanasia activists in committee. The bill would grant terminally ill California residents the right to end their life with assistance from a doctor. The legislation has tremendous support in the polls, with nearly %70 of respondents saying yes, and follows in the wake of several high profile incidents in which California residents were forced to travel out of state in order to escape their incurable illness. Opposition is expected to be significant due to several Catholic Democrats joining Republican legislators in opposing previous versions. However, bill proponents remain optimistic after several high profile media campaigns by patients seeking right to die legislation that have helped shift public opinion in favor of the legislation.
See Nick Cahill, Calif. Lawmakers Resurrect Right-to-Die Bill, Courthouse News Service, August 18, 2015.
