Tuesday, California health officials released a report revealing that 111 individuals opted to end their lives with prescribed drugs after a 2016 law made it legal to do so in the state. According to the report, physicians prescribed life-ending drugs to 191 people after they were diagnosed with having fewer than six months to live. Of the 191, 111 ended their lives with the drugs, 21 died prior to taking the drugs, and 59 patients were not reported on in the applicable timeframe. The typical demographic of those requesting the drugs tended to be older, white, college educated, and receiving hospice or palliative care. A hearing will be held later this year to determine how the law is playing out in California. Testimonies of families with individuals who have pursued this option will be included in the hearing.
See State: 111 Terminally Ill End Lives Under New California Law, The New York Times, June 27, 2017.
