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Right To Die Bill Needs More Consideration, Sent For Study

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Lawmakers say a controversial bill that would give certain terminally ill people the ability to end their lives with a prescription drug needs more study.

The Richard E. Israel and Roger "Pip" Moyer Death With Dignity Act is likely headed for a summer work group.

Del. Shane Pendergrass, D-Howard, who proposed the legislation in the House, said she was not surprised at the public reaction -- which included hours of emotional testimony -- but said she had not known whether the bill would make it through the session.

The hope now, she said, is for lawmakers to continue the conversation and work on making the bill as good as it can be for the state.

Only five states have made it legal for terminally ill people to hasten their deaths.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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