'Right To Die' Bill Withdrawn From Senate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- What started as optimism ends in defeat for supporters of a bill giving terminally ill patients the option to end their lives. The Senate sponsor of the bill withdrew it because there weren't enough votes to pass in committee.

Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from advocates.

Just like last year, lawmakers are torn between life and death.

The struggle is to separate suicide from death by disease.

"This is aid in dying. These people are dying. This is not suicide, and it's not to be confused with that," said Del. Shane Pendergrass, (D) Howard County.

"I am choosing to end it a little sooner and in a lot less pain and suffering," Brittany Maynard said in 2014.

Maynard's very public choice to end her life in Oregon before brain cancer killed her brought the death with dignity debate to Maryland.

"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.

After a marathon hearing in the House two weeks ago, the bill allowing lethal doses of medication for terminally ill patients is withdrawn from the Senate, virtually taking it out of play this session. The House sponsor is saddened.

"The bill is drafted very carefully. It's got lots of protections, as do the bills in other states. There have been no problems in Oregon. It's very sad," said Pendergrass.

But the fear of pressure...

"Even what may not be an obvious pressure, just to make them feel like they shouldn't be a burden," said Dr. G. Kevin Donovan, Georgetown Medical.

That and medical uncertainties have likely ended what Kelly Lange hoped to have as an option herself.

Warren: "Are you planning on coming back next year?"

Lange: "I will be back next year to fight for this, as long as cancer doesn't kill me in the coming months."

Kelly has Stage IV breast cancer.

Three of the bill's supporters have died since last year.

The House committees have not yet voted on the bill.