Indiana bill would allow for voluntary euthanasia of terminally ill

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — A newly introduced Indiana bill would allow people with terminal illnesses to request medication that would end their own lives.

Democratic Rep. Matt Pierce submitted the bill Tuesday. Its supporters call it the "Death with Dignity" bill.

The bill describes terminal illness as an "incurable and irreversible illness that will, within reasonable medical judgment, result in death within six months."

Patients must be at least 18 years old and Indiana residents to request medical aid in dying. The request must be written and cannot be accepted unless the patient is of "sound mind."

If a patient makes a request, there will first be a 15-day waiting period, then doctors are required to confirm the request with the patient. Medication is self-administered. If the patient does take the medication, an insurance company would not be allowed to deny payment of benefits based on a suicide clause.

To read the entire bill, click here.

If the bill passes, it would go into effect July 1, 2020.

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Indiana bill would allow for voluntary euthanasia of terminally ill