End-of-life decisions; terminally ill individuals
If enacted, SB1530 would amend Title 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, creating Chapter 33 which encompasses several protocols related to medical aid in dying. This includes defining key terms like 'qualified individual,' establishing the role of healthcare providers, ensuring proper documentation, and upholding the standard of care. The bill emphasizes that actions taken according to its provisions do not constitute suicide or assisted suicide and allows for health care providers to be immunized from civil or criminal liability when following the guidelines set forth in the bill.
SB1530, titled 'End-of-Life Decisions; Terminally Ill Individuals,' seeks to establish the right for terminally ill patients in Arizona to make decisions about their own end-of-life care, including the ability to request a prescription for medication that they may self-administer to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner. The bill outlines the framework for medical aid in dying, requiring qualified individuals to have a terminal illness confirmed by their attending and consulting physicians and to make an informed decision free from coercion.
Notably, the bill may face both support and opposition from various stakeholders. Advocates argue that it respects patient autonomy by allowing individuals suffering from terminal illnesses to choose a dignified death, viewing it as a compassionate option. Conversely, opponents may express concern regarding the potential for abuse or coercion, the moral implications of such legislation, and its possible effects on vulnerable populations. There may also be apprehensions surrounding the responsibilities and freedoms of healthcare providers when it comes to the enforcement of this legislation.