In their first 2022 action to release legislation, committee gives bipartisan support for compassionate end-of-life option

In their first action to release legislation of the 2022 session, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Health Committee today gave a bipartisan vote of  22-9 to  support a bill that would give terminally ill adults the option of medical aid in dying to peacefully end unbearable suffering.

Advocates for expanding and improving end-of-life care options praised the and urged lawmakers to approve the bill, which has been referred to the Senate for action.

Last year, the Public Health Committee approved similar medical aid-in-dying legislation (HB 6425), but lawmakers did not advance the bill any further, despite a 2021 poll showing three out of four Connecticut voters (75%) supported the legislation.

Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, Committee Co-Chair, said bringing the bill forward provides an end of life option that constituents have been asking for.

“I’m sure none of us wish for ourselves, our families or anybody we know the prospect of having to contemplate such a choice. But we want to at least afford them the option,” Steinberg said. “This isn’t for everybody. The best we can hope for is to invest that choice with the individual themselves so that we can be sure that we are honoring exactly the way they want to go out.”

Currently, Washington, D.C. and 10 states have authorized medical aid in dying: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

“Today’s vote to approve this compassionate legislation by the Public Health Committee is an important first step in the right direction for the majority of Connecticut residents who support medical aid in dying. We hope the Senate and House will act with expediency and pass this legislation this year,” said Compassion & Choices Action Network President and CEO Kim Callinan. “Terminally ill residents do not have the luxury for endless deliberations and delays; they need this option now.”

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