Vermont lawmakers have voted in favor of a bill that would legalize doctor-assisted suicide, making it the third state in the nation to allow for the practice.
The governor, Peter Shumlin, just needs to okay it — and he’s already stated publicly he plans to pass it into law, Newser said. Once legalized, the law would let anyone age 18 or more with an “incurable and irreversible disease” and a maximum six months to live to obtain lethal drugs via a prescription, the Wall Street Journal reported.
“[This will give] Vermonters who are suffering from a terminal illness and anticipating excruciating pain peace of mind in knowing that this is an option,” the governor said, Newser reported.
The campaign to pass the assisted suicide law in Vermont spanned 10 years.
“We’ve had a very respectful, dignified conversation about a difficult issue where there are strongly held beliefs on both sides,” he said, in Newser.
Washington and Oregon are the other two states to allow for physician-assisted suicide.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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