Legislation introduced early this month would allow physicians to perform assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.
Representative Tom Cochran and Sam Singh introduced the Death with Dignity Act in the Michigan House of Representatives to help get the conversation started.
"It's something I think every individual should have the right to deal with their own medical issues and have all the options on the table," said Representative Sam Singh, the House Democratic Floor Leader.
The procedure would be conducted through a prescription based drug but not without matching strict guidelines.
"You have to have two independent doctors verify that the individual is competent,” said Singh. “They also must have a life threatening disease in which they have less than six months to live, there also has to be witness that is willing to sign the petition.”
Four states nationwide have passed a Death with Dignity Act including California, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Montana passed a Death with Dignity Act however it requires a state Supreme Court ruling.
"Now that you have four states that have some type of experience with the law, it's time to start the conversation," said Singh.
Many people have contacted Singh’s office pushing for physician-assisted suicide in Michigan.
"We've received a number of e-mails and phone calls into our office from people who have had to deal with a loved one having a very painful death and they say they wish they had this type of option for them and their family," said Singh.
Barry Cargill from the Michigan Home Care and Hospice Association says it's important to familiarize yourself with all options.
"There are alternatives that many of these patients aren’t aware of," said Cargill. "One of the things hospice does is it works with the patient as well as the patient's family in order to educate and help them know what the alternatives are so patient’s rights can be honored."
If Michigan does adopt the legislation, don't expect it to be commonly used due to its proposed guidelines.
"We don't see this to be a widely used piece of legislation, I think it would be very limited because people have to fit the parameters of the bill," said Singh.
The Death with Dignity Act will be discussed during a new session in the house in January.
In the meantime, Singh says he’ll be speaking to those in the medical community and listening to reactions from the pubic on the bill.
