Lawmakers weigh bill to allow doctor-assisted suicide

[unhappycamper]

http://www.wcvb.com/politics/lawmakers-weigh-bill-to-allow-doctor-assisted-suicide/36059618



Bill would require patient to self-administer drug to end their life

Lawmakers weigh bill to allow doctor-assisted suicide
UPDATED 8:01 PM EDT Oct 26, 2015

BOSTON —Legislation that would let doctors prescribe life-ending drugs to terminally ill patients is heading to a public hearing on Beacon Hill.

The bill would require that the patient have a terminal illness or condition that can reasonably be expected to cause death within six months. The patient must self-administer the drugs.

The legislation would also require that before prescribing the drugs, the doctor must inform the patient about the diagnosis, prognosis, risks associated with taking the medication and other treatment options, including palliative care.

The request must be made in writing and be witnessed by two people, as least one of whom isn't a relative of the patient or someone who would be entitled to any part of the patient's estate.