Hartford

State Lawmakers Debate Right to Die Legislation

The House Public Health Committee heard public testimony Monday on HB 5898, the latest proposed legislation allowing aid in dying for those with an irreversible illness.

Should the terminally ill have the ability to decide how they die? That question is again before state lawmakers in Hartford.

The House Public Health Committee heard public testimony Monday on HB 5898, the latest proposed legislation allowing aid in dying for those with an irreversible illness.

Members of the public and state lawmakers were among those who came to the hearing to voice their opinions.

“Please let us be absolutely sure that we know what opening this Pandora’s Box will lead to,” said Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-East Lyme).

“We have about 40 or so years’ worth of aid in dying regulations on the books in eight different jurisdictions. We have seen that there’s no abuse and no collusion” said Rep. Josh Elliott (D - Hamden).

Committee member Rep. Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) has listened to debate on this issue each time it’s come up over the years and listened for new perspectives again today.

“I’m in a position now of what does this look like? I’ve always said the devil is in the details when it comes to what a piece of legislation ends up to be,” she said.

Cook is undecided, saying there are lots of details that need to be resolved before she’ll be comfortable supporting or opposing this legislation.

“Each part of it has a layer. You peel the layers back one at a time. Is it the 90 pills an issue? Is the religious component an issue? Is it what you personally believe that is issue?” said Cook.

The hearing began at 10:30 a.m. Monday, continuing well into the evening. The committee has until early April to approve or vote down the bill. If its approved, it moves to the full House for further consideration.

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