New York City lawmakers have introduced a medical aid in dying bill that would allow physicians to prescribe drug to terminally-ill adults who may then self-administer it to end their lives.
A memo on the bill stated that a 2015 poll showed that 77 percent of New Yorkers supported empowering terminally-ill patients to control their own death.
Five U.S. states already have physician-assisted aid in dying law: Oregon, Vermont, Washington, California and Montana.
Under Bill A10059, a patient wanting to request drug to end his life should make an oral and written request to his doctor. The request should be witnessed and signed by two adults.
But before the request is granted, the physician must ensure that the patient is making an informed decision by discussing with him his medical diagnosis and prognosis, potential risks in taking the medication to be prescribed, the probable result of taking the medication and feasible alternatives or additional treatment options including palliative and hospice care.
The physician may also refer the patient to a mental health professional if he believes the patient is unable to make an informed decision.
Under the bill, a patient who makes a written request for medication to end his life must state that he is "an adult who has capacity which means I understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of health care decisions, including the benefits and risks of and alternatives to any proposed health care, and to reach an informed decision and to communicate health care decisions to a physician."
A physician, pharmacist and other health care professional is immune from any civil or criminal liability or professional disciplinary action for taking any reasonable good-faith action or refusing to act.
But the bill does not limit civil or criminal liability for negligence, recklessness or intentional misconduct.
A physician, nurse or pharmacist is not obligated to participate in the provision of medication to the patient.
The bill was filed following the planned death of terminal brain cancer patient Brittany Maynard on Nov. 1, 2014. The 29-year-old California resident moved to Oregon to avail herself of the aid in dying law in that state.
Her death led to the enactment of the aid in dying law in California in October 2015.
