Lawmaker Fights for Aid in Dying
hospital room
In New York, it is illegal for a doctor to assist in ending a patient's life, even if the patient asks for help. One state lawmaker wants to change that.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin says no dying person should have to suffer more than they're willing to endure. She has proposed a bill that would allow doctors to prescribe lethal medication for patients who are mentally competent and suffer from a terminal illness. Paulin says it's important for terminally ill patients to have the option to end their lives with dignity.
Some do not agree. Mel Tanzman is the Executive Director of the Disabled on the Move campaign. He says with the medical world advancing, some terminal illnesses turn out later to be curable.
"I've heard people who have been given 6 months to live, and they end up living for years," Tanzman said, "10 years ago, having the diagnosis of AIDS was considered to be a death sentence; obviosuly things have changed."
Right now, in the United States, only 5 states allow aid in dying. Similar bills are pending in 20 others.
