On Monday October 5th, California became the fifth state to allow doctors to prescribe life ending drugs to terminally ill patients. The bill was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown and is set to be put in action early next year after 90 days of the laws passing.

Governor Jerry Brown shared his stance on the issue writing in a signing message, “I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain.I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

In 1997, Oregon became the first state to have “assisted suicide” or “aid in dying” but after a supreme court ruling in 2005, Washington, Montana, and Vermont adopted “aid in dying”. Many opponents fear that the terminally ill will be forced to choose death over medical care due to expenses. The catholic church is a major opponent, believing it is a sin.

Opposition has decreased after Brittany Maynard who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer became a a advocate for the “death with dignity” movement. At 29, she moved her family to Oregon to pass away under the “aid in dying law”. Maynard’s death drew national attention.

Debbie Zeigler, Maynard’s mother said, “Today gives my daughter’s death purpose, and I think any mother who’s lost a child wants that. Californians are going to benefit from this whether they’re terminally ill or not because this opens up a dialogue about death and dying. This law means that conversation is going to be more open and more candid,” on the passing of the California law.

California governor Jerry brown has made this law to include protections about the concerns of possible abuse from doctors and hospitals. In order to qualify for “aid in dying”, the patient must be terminally ill and mentally stable. They must administer the medication themselves and two different doctors must approve the prescription. Hospitals also have the option of not offering end of life drugs.