According to News Center Maine, the Senate has passed the Death With Dignity bill which has already passed in the House, and now awaits Gov. Janet Mills signature.

Medically assisted suicide may become a choice for Mainers suffering from a terminal illness, and join eight other states with a similar law.

There are systems in place to make sure that patients are making a lucid and informed choice:

  • The terminal patient must be within six months of dying to be eligible.
  • One written and two verbal requests must be made.
  • The person has to be able to administer the fatal dose of medication themselves.
  • Two doctors must confirm that the patient meets the law's requirements.
  • There is a 15 day waiting period.
  • The death certificate must name the illness as the underlying cause of death.

Do you believe patients should be allowed to self-administer a lethal dose of prescribed medication to end their terminal suffering? Comment on our Fan Page.

.

 

More From WBZN Old Town Maine