16 May Nevada Senate panel OKs doctor-assisted death measure
The bill allows patients who are 18 or older, of sound mind and given six months or fewer to live, to request a prescription from their doctor to end their life at the time of their choosing.
Physicians, pharmacists and health care facilities would not be mandated to participate.
Sen. Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City, and Sen. Scott Hammond, R-Las Vegas, voted against the bill.
“I have obvious concerns about doctors and physician-assisted suicide,” said Hardy, a doctor and member of the Mormon church. He also echoed fears raised by opponents that the legislation would make suicide a preferred course for the sick and frail.
Hardy said depression and mental illness may be temporary, and he cannot support an option “that is very final.”