California's Right-To-Die Bill Passes What May Be Its Largest Hurdle

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California's controversial right-to-die bill passed what is believed to be its largest hurdle.

Passionate arguments came from both sides as the Assembly Health Committee voted 10-2 to advance the legislation.

Before the vote, there was heavy debate on both sides of what is a controversial and personal topic. Co-author, Stockton Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, assured the committee the bill provides every reasonable safeguard to make sure the option to end one's life isn't abused.

"It is a felony for anyone to give this drug to anybody. That is part of it, that somebody has to be cognitively and physically able to ingest it upon their own," she said.

The bill provides for two doctors to sign off on dispensing the life-ending medication and mandates a waiting period.

Among those who spoke in favor were Christy O'Donnell, who is suffering from terminal cancer.

"I want the choice to be in own bed, with my daughter holding my hand while I pass peacefully," she said.

Also speaking was the husband of Brittany Maynard, a California woman who moved to Oregon so she could end her life on her terms after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

"There's no glory in suffering a long and agonizing death, if that's not what the individual wants," he said.

But opponents see it differently, as a tool ready to be abused.

"This bill is a recipe for elder abuse and disability abuse, because an heir, someone who stands to inherit from the ill person, an abusive caregiver can steer someone towards it," said disability rights advocate Marilyn Golden.