Legalize Physican-Assisted Death for Terminally Ill Patients

 

The purpose of this bill is to legalize physician aided death (PAD) for terminally ill patients in Minnesota, allowing

individuals facing unbearable suffering to choose a dignified and peaceful end to their life under medical supervision.

 

Terminally ill people often experience severe pain and loss of autonomy at the end of their lives. While hospice and

palliative care can provide relief, they can not always alleviate all suffering . Legalizing PAD offers a compassionate

and voluntary option for those who wish to avoid unnecessary suffering.

Additionally, states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized PAD, also known as the Death with Dignity Act, and have

shown that physician-assisted death can be administered safely and ethically.

This bill would include safeguards including written requests from the patient and a team of physicians.

 

“Terminally ill” shall be defined [of a person] as having less than 6 months to live.

“Physician-assisted death” shall be defined as the use of euthanasia to end a patient’s life

 

This bill does not require any funding.

 

Any physician or clinic that fails to comply with the procedural safeguards of this bill may be subject to disciplinary

action by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Any person found to have coerced a request for PAD shall be guilty of

a felony and subject to prosecution.

 

Effective January 1st, 2027.