Vermont Hearings Begin on Assisted Death Bill

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Credit WAMC

Vermont Statehouse

Former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin told lawmakers she supports legislation that would allow physicians to help terminally ill patients end their own lives.

Kunin testified Tuesday before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. During her testimony, Kunin talked about the recent death of her brother Edgar. She says he told her he was ready to die. She did not say if he would have taken advantage of such a law if it was in place during his final illness.

The committee is holding four days of hearings on a proposal that would allow terminally ill patients to request lethal doses of drugs.

Committee Chairwoman Senator Claire Ayer says she hopes her panel will vote favorably on the bill by Friday.

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