WASHINGTON (AP) - District of Columbia residents with less than six months to live would be able to request lethal medication from their doctors under a bill approved by lawmakers.
The D.C. Council approved the so-called “right to die” bill Tuesday in an 11-to-2 vote. Council members will vote on it again before sending it to Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, but as it stands the margin is veto-proof. Bowser has not taken a position on the bill, and opponents have urged her to veto it.
Physician-assisted death is legal in five states, and several others are considering legislation.
In the District, opponents expressed concern that lower-income residents would be pushed to end their lives prematurely rather than undergo costly treatment. Supporters said those concerns are unfounded.
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