Hawaii Lawmakers Approve Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill

The Hawaii Senate last week passed legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill persons, and sent it to the governor, reports Reuters . Under the measure, terminally ill individuals would be allowed to obtain a doctor's prescription for medication to hasten their death provided two physicians agree they have no more than six months to live and are mentally competent. Those seeking life-ending medical aid also would be required to take a mental health evaluation, to present two separate requests to an attending physician, and for two witnesses to attest to the individual's wish to die. The bill is scheduled for automatic enactment on April 17 unless Gov. David Ige signs it into law before then or vetoes it. The advocacy group Compassion and Choices, which supported and campaigned for the bill, says Ige is expected to sign the bill. Six other U.S. states already have laws on the books to legalize medical aid in dying for the terminally ill. Backers have sought to broaden legalization of the practice to help end-stage cancer and other people with incurable diseases to die with less pain and suffering. Critics include certain religious groups and advocates for seniors and disabled who have argued that shady caregivers or relatives could pressure vulnerable individuals to commit suicide.