Ending the life of terminally ill patients will soon be legal in California, as governor Jerry Brown signed the bill on Monday.
The bill would allow doctors to prescribe drugs that end life for those who have been suffering from a terminal illness.
California will soon become the fifth U.S. state that allows such law, joining Washington, Montana, Vermont, and Oregon.
The law only applies to those who are of sound mind, and not those who have mental disabilities, Associated Press reported.
In addition, two doctors should approve the use of the drug and two people should be around during drug administration to serve as witnesses.
Also, the patient receiving the drug should be physically able to take the drugs by themselves.
The right-to-die advocacy gained support in the state following the death of Brittany Maynard, a resident of California, who had to move to Oregon so she can end her life legally.
While there were many supporters of the advocacy, there were also those who stand against it. Religious groups are fighting against the bill stating that assisted suicide goes against the will of God.
Supporters for people with disabilities are also concerned about how terminally ill patients may face the pressure of choosing death as a simpler route.
The Catholic Church also urged Gov. Brown to reject the bill. However, it took weeks before the governor, who was once a Jesuit seminarian, made a decision.
"I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the option afforded by this bill," he said in his letter directed toward the California State Assembly.
Meanwhile, Maynard's family will be present during legislative hearings. They will also appear in different state capitols in the months to come for the same purpose.
The law is expected to be in full effect once legislative hearings formally end, which could be sometime in 2016.
Supporters of the movement are now turning their focus toward New Jersey, where state Senate is expected to have a debate on the same bill this fall season, and Massachusetts, where a hearing session is scheduled to be conducted this October, AP gathered.
