Maryland and Illinois Push for Right-to-Die Legislation

Lawmakers in both states hear emotional testimonies as they consider bills to legalize medically assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.

Maryland's End-of-Life Option Act and Illinois' right-to-die legislation aim to provide terminally ill patients with the option to end their lives through prescribed medication.
Both bills require patients to be mentally capable and have a prognosis of six months or less, with safeguards to prevent coercion and ensure voluntary decision-making.
In Maryland, the bill has garnered support from Democratic Gov. Wes Moore and is expected to have enough votes to pass after previous failures.
Illinois' legislation, supported by State Sens. Laura Fine and Linda Holmes, is part of a renewed push for the right-to-die law, with no substantiated cases of abuse in states where it is legal.
Advocates and patients in both states share personal stories to highlight the need for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of reducing suffering and maintaining dignity at life's end.