The “Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill” law takes effect on Thursday, permitting residents with a terminal illness to request a prescription for medication to end their lives.
Advocates lobbied nearly eight years to pass the law in New Jersey. Their cause went from near hopeless to hopeful after Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy took office in January 2018. Murphysigned the law in April.
Five states including New Jersey have passed aid in dying laws since 2014, when the 29-year-old newlywed publicized her decision to move from California to Oregon, where the law allowed her to end her life rather than endure a prolonged painful death from brain cancer, he said.
Death with dignity laws in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Vermont and Washington have enabled 3,478 people to die, according to the states’ health departments. The District of Columbia and Montana are right-to-die states but legal challenges remain an obstacle and no deaths have been reported. Maine just passed its law in June.
The law applies to adults who have received a terminal diagnosis — defined as an incurable, irreversible and medically confirmed disease that will end the person’s life within six months.
Patients will have to ask their doctor twice over the span of 15 days and submit a request in writing stating they had been “fully informed” of palliative care, pain control and other alternatives. A second physician would need to verify the diagnosis. A mental health professional may be called in to consult.
The law includes recommended language for the written request.
“I understand the full import of this request, and I expect to die if and when I take the medication to be prescribed,” according to an excerpt. “I further understand that, although most deaths occur within three hours, my death may take longer and my physician has counseled me about this possibility.”
The written declaration must be witnessed by two people who attest that the patient is acting voluntarily. One of the two witnesses cannot be a person who stands to financially gain from the patient’s death or the patient’s doctor or nursing home employee.
These “stop-gaps” should ensure no one feels pressured to die and no one rushes into making such an important decision, said Thomas Ziering, a family physician in Morristown. He said he has already begun discussing the law with some of his patients.
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Many life insurance policies do not pay death benefits if suicide do you know in this case if they have to pay
Judy Heinrichs this is a great question! However, if there is no hope for improvement and you are actively dying/suffering is this really considered suicide?
Alissa Thorpe when it comes down to paying out? The wording of the policy will prevail.
Judy Heinrichs I thought most insurance policies only don’t pay out for a suicide if the policy is less than two years old. Or some set time frame.
THAT IS NOT SUICIDE
Alissa Thorpe Hospice is usually there for the last months to keep the person comfortable and pain-free. .
Kim Dufour unfortunately it is.
Tim Reid , it doesn’t always work
Judy Heinrichs always someone who’s worried they won’t get their money. How pathetic .
Laura Lange I’m not sure that was her whole point since if they don’t get the life insurance owed who pays the bills??
Judy Guilfoyle as I understand the 2 year contestable period is where suicide would void contract and payment would not be made I do know of suicides where after contestable periods insurance was paid If concerned confirmation of individual policy should be checked
Judy Guilfoyle as I understand the 2 year contestable period is where suicide would void contract and payment would not be made I do know of suicides where after contestable periods insurance was paid If concerned confirmation of individual policy should be checked
Laura Lange she asked a simple question and never even stated her own opinion on it, how is that pathetic? Attacking a person who just wants more information on a topic is what is pathetic. Why is everyone so eager to attack each other and be so miserable? Let her get her information and make her own educated opinion on the topic.
Laura Lange it’s a very logical question and not at all pathetic. In today’s world with so much death from accidents, drugs, murder and incurable illnesses, knowing you can make arrangements for someone is vital. Ever notice all the Go Fund Me pleas? It’s not cheap and most don’t think about life insurance when they’re younger but those left behind should know they can grieve without worrying what to do with a loved one.
Don’t think it will be considered suicide and every insurance policy I’ve come across has a 2-yr suicide clause.
suicide….the act of intentionally taking ones own life. I think insurance policies would have to be rewritten or a clause added to cover this new law. Check your individual policy.
Donna Hack not in the eyes of the law which will supersede the insurance companies
Still a big question as to how this will be interpreted. My policies will not pay for suicide. Technically this is assisted suicide. Could be a big issue. Funeral costs are ridiculous.
Next will be FORCED euthanasia when you are too old or it costs too much to keep you alive…stay tuned !
Linda Masera Connelly I agree
Definitely NOT. you have to jump through hoops and bend over backwards to even be considered for physician assisted death!
Rhiannon Robinson for now…. you wait once the govt. has total control over your life from cradle to grave you will become dispensable…. wait & see
Linda, substitute “corporations” for “government”, and you’re closer to the truth.
It’s a damn shame, I would want my family to be with me every second they could, until god called them home
It’s voluntary
You would have that option. The dying patient gets to chose when
I know it is. You’ll see a lot of families trying to get family members who are sick 2 do it 2 cash in..
Now we can play God too.
Donna Hack if a person believed in such a thing
Scott A Barnes sorry if you don’t.
If you don’t believe in it, just don’t choose it for yourself. ..it’s that simple
Thank goodness- it’s abt time
Amanda Nicole
I don’t like this . It’s wrong to play God. It’s going against the commandments .
And this is something that can get out of hand really fast..
Have you watched family members die of things like lung cancer?
I person terminal and suffering should be able to make decisions regarding their life..It’s not about what society believes
I guess it’s a good thing that every struggling, dying person, doesn’t have to live by your religious beliefs.
So you believe this person should suffer until he dies I think you are so wrong this person suffered long enough…Nuff said
I watched my father-in-law who was poisoned by cirrhosis of the liver. It was the worst thing I ever saw in my life.
Dina Pasquin or what the pious “thinks”
Hopefully the meds dont get into the wrong hands,could be deadly
If you’ve ever had to watch someone suffer day after day after day with no hope for recovery and beg their loved ones to let them die wouldn’t you want them to have this option. It’s not playing God. Maybe it is but isn’t he a merciful God?
Meg Licata Very well said I’m not sure how I feel about this whole thing but I love the way that you put it thank you
Meg Licata I agree my mother suffered for months it was very sad to watch that you could not help or take their pain away!!
Diane, I had no idea! I’m so sorry that happened to her. It’s just not fair.
Diane Tamburello my condolences to you and your family. I’ve been there too many times.
Meg Licata thank you
Duncan Brown thank you I’m glad this may be a option now for other suffering.
Meg Licata , well said!!?
Diane Tamburello , I’m sorry to hear that, and she was probably on hospice and still suffered, correct?
Before you decide this is wrong, go to a nursing home and talk to people with family and friends who are dying. To see another human being “alive” simply because their heart still beats is almost selfish and heartbreaking. Young and old alike, some simply exist, alive by artificial means and medication. Each case should be judged individually.
Grandma: “I’m in agonizing pain every day, my mind isn’t my own anymore, I struggle to eat anything without feeling like I’m drowning or choking.”
Relative: “But what about *my* feelings?! I visit you every week for an hour!”
Duncan Brown THIS!!! Absolutely spot on!!
but it’s their life. We have to learn to let go. They may be in pain or whatnot.
yep!
It’s their life not mine. Let them do what they feel is best.
This is amazing. Now people who are suffering can choose to end it humanely. No more missing your loved ones passing. Pick a date, everyone say goodbye. You can schedule the wake and the funeral weeks in advance. It’s a great idea all around
Iz Rob you’ll need 2 doctors to sign off on it before it gets approved
Still, that’s fair enough. 2 opinions on whether their situation and quality of life cant be improved.
Lyndsey Davis
love all this talk of letting God make the choice, but who’s paying the hospital bill, who’s healing the broken hearts, the invisible God right?! I sure hope this God knocks on your door w/ the check, or the self respect to help them out while their loved ones are suffering a slow and miserable death.
Leave God out of this. Don’t be selfish to those who can benefit from this choice.
My concern is that it says “terminal diagnosis” and something about dying within 6 months. What about someone who has had a stroke? They aren’t necessarily terminal but their quality of life might be severely reduced. I see many people in their 80’s and 90’s who no longer want to live after a severe stroke but aren’t going to die from it. What is going to happen to those people
Omg so happy this is could be an option
Let it be…Up to each person to make this most personal decision. A person needs to be in full peace with themself.
Amen finally
As a parent of a child with a “life shortening” disease this is huge
I’m for this don’t believe in suffering
After watching my Dad suffer and waste away slowly from 160 lbs down to 72 lbs having bones actually come through his skin I think this could be a blessing to some families. Humans are selfish we want our loved ones to hang on for us. This gives them the choice
To me, we don’t let our animals suffer if they’re in pain, suffering, dying, etc, so why let us human beings suffer? Sorry but I’m all for it. If that’s what a terminal patient who’s suffering wants then we should respect it and allow it.