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Right-To-Die Legislation Gets Hearing In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ ) -- Emotional appeals for life and for death.

Prescribing lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients who want to end their lives got a hearing in Annapolis Friday.

Pat Warren has some of their testimony.

The panel heard from some of those on the brink of making that life and death decision.

The painful reality ahead.

"I may not be here next year because this is a terminal illness and it will eventually kill me," said Kelley Lange, a cancer patient.

Lange's friend Marlene King who testified last year died in November.

Marlene's husband testified in her place -- in favor of the end of life option.

They argue that it is the disease that is the killer, and dying quietly should be their choice.

But there are those who believe differently.

"It just scares me that we're putting something in play that may not be the right thing," said Del. John Cluster (R-Baltimore County).

The bill is limited to the terminally ill with 6 months or less to live, but some worry that the option will put pressure on the sick.

But there is a burden on the other side, as Marlene King said to Lange in a text:

"The issue is pain, didn't know pain could be so painful," she said. "I really wish we had this option for her and I really hope you move this forward so I have this option."

The debate is likely to continue throughout the session.

 

A similar bill last year failed to get out of committee.

California is the latest state to pass right-to die-legislation.

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