Euthanasia & Assisted-Suicide Measures Proposed (2007)

In keeping with the new strategy adopted by assisted-suicide advocates, the bills would permit assisted-suicide or euthanasia, although some of the proposals appear benign at first glance.
See: Assisted-suicide word games.

Arizona
Representative Linda Lopez, a sponsor of both bills has introduced similar legislation in previous years.

HB 2572 Would permit "aid-in-dying." (1/07)
It is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law. (Bill failed.)

HB 2357 Purports to let patients be in "control of suffering." (1/07) (Bill failed.)
In 2004, this proposal was called "An Act Relating to Terminally Ill Patients." In 2005, it was titled the "Patient Comfort and Control Act" (PCCA). The measure is actually a model bill that was drafted by the former Hemlock Society as a way to gain approval of assisted suicide.

California (Latest information on California bill)

AB 374 Titled the "Compassionate Choices Act" (2/15/07).
The bill marks the sixth time since 1988 that assisted-suicide advocates have attempted to legalize assisted suicide. It contains the same text as AB 651 that failed in 6/06.
It is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law, and would require all state agencies to refer to assisted suicide as "aid-in-dying." (Bill failed)

Hawaii (Latest information on Hawaii bills) (All failed.)

SB 800 Would permit "death with dignity" by authorizing "a prescription for medication to end a qualified patient's life in a humane and dignified manner." (1/07)
It is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law.

HB 675 Would permit "death with dignity" by authorizing the provision of "medication to end the qualified patient's life in a humane and dignified manner." (1/07)
It is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law, but requires
that an adult "monitor" be present "at the time of actual administration of the medication" and serve as a witness to "the event."

SB 1995 Would permit "death with dignity" by authorizing "a request for medication for the purpose of ending that person's life in a humane and dignified manner." (1/07)
It is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law and would also require that an adult "monitor" be present "at the time of actual administration of the medication" and serve as a witness to "the event."

SB 765 Would change the manslaughter law. (1/07)
It would exempt a medical caregiver from being charged with manslaughter if the patient dies while receiving palliative care and treatment, even if the caregiver recklessly caused the death of the patient.

SB 1104 Would change the manslaughter law. (1/07)
It would exempt a medical caregiver from being charged with manslaughter if the patient dies while receiving palliative care and treatment, even if the caregiver recklessly caused the death of the patient.

Pennsylvania

H.B. 1435 Would permit "death with dignity" by providing procedures regarding the request and dispensation of lethal medication to patients seeking to die in a dignified and humane manner. Is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law. (9/07)

Rhode Island

H.B. 6080 Titled, "Rhode Island Death with Dignity Act" (3/07), it is virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law.

Vermont (Latest information on Vermont bills)

H. 0044 Titled, "Patient Choice and Control at End-of-Life" (1/07). Virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law. In Section I, the proposal includes references to the Oregon law and the official reports from Oregon. Its companion bill in the Senate is S. 63 (Bill failed)

Wisconsin (Background about Wisconsin assisted-suicide bills) (Stalled in committees. No action, but are two year bills.)

Rep. Frank Boyle, D-Superior, and Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison have introduced assisted-suicide bills again. The latest proposal marks the 13th assisted-suicide bill introduced by Boyle.

AB - 298 Titled, "Death with Dignity." (4/30/07)
Virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law, its companion bill in the Senate is SB - 151.

SB - 151 Titled, "Death With Dignity." (4/19/07)
Virtually identical to Oregon's assisted-suicide law, its companion bill in the Assembly if AB - 298.

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For more extensive information about U.S. proposals to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, see:
"Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Health Care Decisions"
"Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide Measures (1988-2005)"
"Assisted Suicide & Death with Dignity: Past, Present & Future"
"Assisted Suicide: The Continuing Debate"
"Words, Words, Words"