Terminally ill individuals; end-of-life decisions
The legislation, if enacted, aims to establish clear guidelines and protections for healthcare providers involved in the process of facilitating medical aid in dying. It emphasizes that participating in this act, when conducted in accordance with the law, will not result in civil or criminal liability for physicians and healthcare facilities. Moreover, it stipulates that this act should not alter the definitions applied to classifications in criminal law, clarifying that acts under this law do not constitute suicide or assisted suicide.
House Bill 2878 proposes the introduction of a framework for medical aid in dying in Arizona, granting terminally ill individuals the right to seek a prescription for medication to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner. The bill outlines specific provisions, including eligibility criteria for patients desiring such assistance, which require a confirmed diagnosis of terminal illness by an attending physician and a consulting physician, ensuring that the decision is voluntary and informed.
A notable point of contention surrounding HB 2878 is the definitions and standards for patient eligibility, including mental health evaluations to ensure patients are not unduly influenced and possess the capacity to make informed decisions. Critics argue that provisions about optional family notification and the potential for misuse in vulnerable populations could create ethical dilemmas. Proponents contend that the bill safeguards patient autonomy and dignity in end-of-life care, allowing individuals facing unbearable suffering the choice to end their lives with dignity.