A New Jersey Assembly committee has cleared a measure that would allow terminally ill patients to be prescribed medication that would end their lives.
The measure cleared by a 7-2 vote Thursday. Two members abstained.
The Death with Dignity Act would let adult patients who are told they have up to six months to live decide if they want to self-administer the lethal medication. Proponents say it gives these patients a choice to die humanely.
The bill's sponsor says state statutes are outdated and that New Jersey should follow the examples of other states considering similar measures.
About a dozen opponents testifying before the panel said the bill is unethical.
Many gave examples of people who received a diagnosis of death within six months and ended up living for years.
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
Friday, May 24 2013 11:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:12:21 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:33 GMT
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
New Jersey's education commissioner has overturned the firing of a high school athletic director who was caught on camera putting dog waste on his ex-wife's car.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
