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California Senate moves to make assisted death law permanent

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SACRAMENTO, CA - JULY 4: The California state capitol is shown July 4, 2003 in Sacramento, California. According to a Los Angeles Times poll published today, a majority of California voters believe Gov. Gray Davis should be recalled in a special election. Hours earlier, recall organizers declared they had enough support to put the question on the ballot. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

By: Associated Press

Posted at 8:18 PM, May 28, 2021

and last updated 2021-05-28 23:19:15-04

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Senate has moved to make the state’s assisted death law permanent. Senators also want to significantly shorten the time a terminally ill person must wait for a fatal dose of medication.

Nearly 2,000 people deemed to have six months or less to live have received a prescription since the law took effect in 2016.

Senators approved changes Friday to lift the law’s 2026 sunset date and make the drugs more accessible. Among other steps, the current minimum 15-day waiting period required between the time patients make separate oral requests for medication would be reduced to 48 hours.

The bill now goes to the state Assembly.

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California Senate moves to make assisted death law permanent

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