Colorado legislators are preparing to introduce a law that would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives using physician-prescribed medication.
A new poll commissioned by Compassion and Choices, an advocacy group that supports the practice, finds the majority of Colorado voters support such a measure.
The results were from a telephone survey of 602 likely 2014 voters in Colorado, conducted in May 2014.
The Denver Post published an editorial in December that offered measured support for such legislation.
"We hope this bill gets serious and ultimately positive consideration from lawmakers," wrote the Post's editorial board.
In the wake of the highly publicized death of Oregon resident Brittany Maynard, an advocate for death with dignity, Colorado and many other states are considering legislation to allow the practice. Ballot measures or legislation to allow the practice have passed in Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Even as the subject is discussed, the very words used to discuss it are also up for debate. The term "assisted suicide" has fallen out of favor with those advocating the option for terminally ill patients, who prefer the more positive "death with dignity."
Regardless of what it’s called, the topic is likely to draw lots of attention this legislative session.
