Advancements in modern medicine have been able to extend the lives of our loved ones by leaps and bounds. However, many individuals with terminal illnesses feel that this extension merely prolongs unnecessary suffering when pain management becomes impossible. 
 

In ten states and D.C., death with dignity laws offer terminally ill adults who meet specific, well-defined criteria the option to end their life peacefully and on their own terms. The vast majority of persons who have used compassionate assisted dignified death in other states are already enrolled in hospice and have exhausted other palliative care options.  
 

Our legislation would follow these states in legalizing compassionate aid in dying for terminally ill Pennsylvanians. These individuals, facing unbearable and unrelieved suffering in their final days, would be able to request a prescription that would end their life in a dignified, humane manner that respects the individual’s autonomy and self-determination.  
 

Modeled after Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, our legislation includes protections to ensure that patients decide their own end-of-life care discussions and are protected from coercion.  Strict eligibility requirements would only be available to patients who are terminally ill with less than six months to live.  Patients would be able to rescind their decision at any time. 
 

We cannot begin to fathom the pain and hardship an individual with terminal illness faces – pain that often lasts until their final day. Pennsylvanians in this position should be able to make their own end of life on their terms in a safe, medically approved way.  
 

Please join us in supporting this compassionate, commonsense legislation to give terminally ill individuals more control over their end-of-life plans.