ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers will be sponsoring legislation to allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives by self-ingesting drugs prescribed by a doctor.Supporters are meeting with legislators Wednesday, when lawmakers will introduce legislation.
It would allow mentally capable, terminally ill patients with six months or fewerto live the option to obtain prescription medication, if their suffering became unbearable.
The person’s primary physician would prescribe only after he or she and a consulting physician confirm the sick person has a prognosis of six months or fewer to live, is mentally capable to make the decision and is physically capable of self-administering drugs.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
I received a call yesterday from a pollster who asked a bunch of questions regarding this topic. I honestly can say that I am not against it. Unlike abortion where the child has no say, an adult is a different matter altogether. It is just sad that the life insurance companies will use this against the insured and not pay out anything due to a suicide.
ReplyDeleteAs to suicide, life insurance companies already are required to pay out for suicide, as long as it is more than two years after the policy was purchased. Suicide is considered the result of a mental disorder, and payable after two years. Less than two years, and it is considered a planned and fraudulent way to collect on a life insurance policy.
ReplyDeleteWith this law, if it passes, nothing will change with life insurance payouts in Maryland, as long as the two year rule is complied with.
Thank you for the clarification. I was under the impression that it never covered suicide.
ReplyDelete