Assisted Death Bill Clears Vermont Senate Panel

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A bill that would allow Vermont doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients who request it has cleared its first legislative hurdle.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted 5-0 on Friday to approve the legislation, dubbed "end-of-life choices" or “death with dignity” by supporters and "physician-assisted suicide" by opponents.

The action came after a week of often emotional testimony both by supporters and opponents of the legislation.

It now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and is expected to be up for action in the full Senate the week after next.

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