D.C. Council Approves 'Death With Dignity' Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) -- D.C. lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives with the help of a doctor.

Now it goes to the mayor for final approval.

The "Death with Dignity" bill was approved earlier this month on an 11-to-2 vote. That's a veto-proof margin, and Mayor Muriel Bowser said she would not veto the legislation.

The bill would allow patients with six months or less to live to request lethal medication from their doctors. Physician-assisted death is legal in five states.

In the District, opponents expressed concern that poor people would be pushed to end their lives prematurely rather than undergo costly treatment. Supporters said those concerns were unfounded.

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