Doctor assisted suicide bill introduced in Delaware

A bill was introduced today in Delaware that would allow doctor-assisted suicide in the First State. The new legislation would allow an adult diagnosed with a terminal illness, that is likely to die within six months, to request prescription medication to end his or her life.

The patient would be the only one who could make the request and they must do so verbally as well as in writing. A consulting physician would have to confirm the attending doctor’s diagnosis and the person would have to wait at least 15 days after their request before receiving the drugs. The bill currently has no co-sponsors.

47 ABC reached out to Delaware Hospice and they provided us with the following statement:

“In addition to our own mission statement, as a trusted community partner in end-of-life education and support, Delaware Hospice provides the highest quality hospice and healthcare services. As a member of National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Delaware Hospice follows their guidelines and recommendations, NHPCO supports an American’s right to have knowledge of and access to all forms of therapy that have been shown to enhance quality of life and reduce suffering.”