Sen. Feinstein Endorses California End of Life Options Act

On Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced her support for a California right-to-die bill (SB 128) that would allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to patients with terminal illnesses, the Vallejo Times-Herald reports (Glidden, Vallejo Times-Herald, 3/17).

Details of Bill

The End of Life Options Act, by state Sens. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) and William Monning (D-Carmel), would give patients with terminal illnesses the right to seek life-ending medication from their doctor.

Specifically, the bill would require that:

• The medication is self-administered;
• The patient is mentally competent;
• Two physicians confirm the prognosis that the patient has six months or less to live;
• The patient's physician discusses alternatives and additional treatment options;
• The patient submits a written request and two oral requests made at least 15 days apart; and
• Two witnesses attest to the request.

In addition, the bill would require an interpreter for non-English speakers.

Pharmacists and doctors would be given legal immunity for participating and would be able to opt out (California Healthline, 1/21).

Reaction

Wolk said that Feinstein's endorsement "is a big boost for our effort, sending a strong signal that the political momentum has shifted." She added, "When one of California's most respected, thoughtful and longest-serving political leaders takes the unusual step of speaking out in strong support of a bill like this, you know you are on the right track."

SB 128 will have its first hearing in the state Senate Health Committee on March 25 (Vallejo Times-Herald, 3/17).