There still is some common sense

Legislators to Take Up End-of-Life Measure

By Nancy Vogel, Times Staff Writer

SACRAMENTO — On the heels of a national debate over the Terri Schiavo case, a bill that would allow doctor-assisted suicide in California faces its first vote in a legislative committee Tuesday.

Backers of the bill, primarily nonprofit groups devoted to giving people control and choices in their end-of-life decisions, say people should have the right to die in a dignified, controlled manner when they choose.

Disabled activists argue that it will encourage suicide among the depressed, the poor and the newly disabled who have not adjusted to their situation. The California Medical Assn., which represents the state's doctors, and a state association of workers who provide end-of-life care also oppose the bill.