October 6, 2015 - Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) issued the following response to the Governor’s decision to sign ABX2 15, which will allow California physicians to prescribe death for patients.
“Let’s call this for what it really is: It’s not death with dignity. This is state-assisted death, physician assisted death and relative assisted death. Oncologists who treat cancer patients do not want the tag of “doctor of death” -- they want to provide a cure, or at a minimum, hope for a cure. A doctor’s diagnosis is at best a guess -- nothing is certain. Many patients go into depression when they hear their illness is terminal, but while depression is treatable, suicide -- even if state sanctioned -- is not. By signing this legislation, the Governor ignores warnings from many physicians that patients facing end of life decisions may be subtly pressured to choose death rather than hold out hope for a cure.”
Senator Leno Issues Statement on End of Life Legislation
SACRAMENTO – Senator Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, issued a statement today on legislation signed by Governor Jerry Brown that gives terminally-ill Californians the ability to obtain medication to aid in dying.
“California has taken a bold and profoundly important step in offering support and relief to Californians who are needlessly suffering from incurable illnesses,” said Senator Leno. “This bill embodies our nation’s basic principles of individual liberty and freedom of choice. That’s just one of the reasons the public overwhelming supports a person’s right to make end of life decisions. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s the compassionate thing to do.”
Senator Leno is a co-author of ABX2-15, which was introduced by Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman, D-Stockton. The bill was similar to legislation introduced earlier this year by Senator Lois Wolk, D-Davis and Senator Bill Monning, D-Carmel.
