Maryland Supporters Of Right-To-Die Measure Try Again

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--Marylanders are back in Annapolis Thursday fighting for the right to die.

The death with dignity bill is re-introduced as the End of Life Options Act.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports, it applies to terminally ill adults with less than 6 months to live.

The act would allow physicians to prescribe life-ending drugs for those adults who qualify.

Brittany Maynard took her own life in Oregon in 2014 to escape the pain of brain cancer.

Maryland supporters and opponents made their case in legislative hearings last year.

Now end of life supporters are making their second run at right to die legislation.

"My dear friend Marlene who testified with me last year passed away in November in terrible pain as a matter of fact. I know she was in favor of this and would have benefitted from this choice," said Kelly Lange, who's  an end of life supporter.

Last year Ravens OJ Brigance testified against it.

"I did not create my life so I have no right to negate my life," he said.

Del. Tony McConkey says, "I think it encourages the elderly who don't want to be a burden on their children or on their friends to simply say I don't have much longer I don't want to be a burden so I'll end it now and that's the wrong message."

For both sides, it's a message from the heart.

A hearing date for the bill could be announced soon.

The end of life options act does not legalize lethal injection, euthanasia, or mercy killing.