The California Legislature has passed a bill that will allow Californians to opt for doctor assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness. The law is based on the statute that was passed in Oregon in 1997 although there have been some changes in the California version. The most import change is that doctors must meet privately with the patient to discuss assisted suicide in order to decrease the influence family might exert to push for a quicker, and cheaper, death. The measure has become a major political issue in recent years as opponents and supports have canvassed for support across the globe with opponents of euthanasia recently voting down a bill introduced in the United Kingdom. However, Gov. Jerry Brown has not publicly indicated his feelings on the bill and may still veto the legislation.
See Ian Lovett, California Legislature Approves Assisted Suicide, New York Times, September 11, 2015.
