New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, signed off on legislation Friday that would permit terminally ill adults to end their lives with the assistance of medical professionals.
New Jersey is now the eighth state to approve such a measure, known in New Jersey as the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. States including Oregon, California, and Hawaii have already approved similar legislation.
“Allowing residents with terminal illnesses to make end-of-life choices for themselves is the right thing to do,” Murphy said in a statement Friday. “By signing this bill today, we are providing terminally ill patients and their families with the humanity, dignity, and respect that they so richly deserve at the most difficult times any of us will face.”
Murphy, who is Catholic, said in a personal statement that he struggled with the decision to approve the legislation and ultimately determined it was a personal decision.
“I have concluded that, while my faith may lead me to a particular decision for myself, as a public official I cannot deny this alternative to those who may reach a different conclusion,” Murphy said. “I believe this choice is a personal one and, therefore, signing this legislation is the decision that best respects the freedom and humanity of all New Jersey residents.”
The legislation in New Jersey was first introduced by New Jersey Assemblyman John Burzichelli and New Jersey state Sen. Nick Scutari, both Democrats.
Despite support from New Jersey lawmakers, the executive director of New Jersey’s Catholic Conference Patrick Brannigan argued the legislation was not an expression of compassion.
“The finest expression of compassion is loving care that reduces or eliminates physical pain, psychological distress, depression and hopelessness – not providing someone with lethal drugs to end their life,” Brannigan said in a statement.
The legislation will take effect in August and allows patients whose physicians conclude they have a life expectancy of less than six months to take medication that would end their lives. The patients must also be able to make healthcare decisions and must act of their own volition, among other things.
