In an overwhelming vote, the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee today gave its support to a bill that would give terminally ill adults the option of medical aid in dying to peacefully end unbearable suffering. A tally of 22 to 9 is being held open until close of business to allow five committee members to vote.

Advocates for expanding and improving end-of-life care options praised the action 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; the legislation later failed in the Judiciary Committee.

With today’s action, the bill goes to the Senate floor, where it is likely to be referred again to the Judiciary Committee.

Tim Appleton, Campaign Director for Compassion & Choices Action Network, praised today’s vote.

“Supporters of medical aid in dying have come to the Capitol year after year asking for access to this compassionate end-of-life option, and some have died waiting for passage,” Appleton said. “We are grateful for today’s vote of support and we hope that the lawmakers will continue to move the legislation forward to a vote in the House and the Senate. Terminally ill people don’t have the luxury of time for endless debates and delays. This is the year for Connecticut lawmakers to pass medical aid-in-dying law.”

A 2021 poll of Connecticut voters showed that 75 percent support the legislation, including 69 percent of Catholic voters, and 65 percent of voters who identify as having a disability.

Currently, Washington, D.C. and 10 states have authorized medical aid in dying: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana (via a state Supreme Court ruling), New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

CONTACT:

Patty McQueen on behalf of Compassion & Choices Action Network 860-985-3533, [email protected]

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