Vote On California Right-To-Die Bill Delayed As Support Lags

SACRAMENTO (AP) — A California lawmaker who wants to allow terminally ill patients to take life-ending drugs is postponing a vote on the contentious legislation as support lags.

Democratic Sen. Lois Wolk of Davis says she's still trying to secure votes for SB128 to pass the Assembly Health Committee.

The issue gained traction nationally after 29-year-old Brittany Maynard moved from California to Oregon to end her life in November. Wolk's bill allowing doctors to prescribe fatal drugs has already advanced out of the state Senate.

The California Medical Association dropped its opposition to SB128, but the Catholic Church and other religious groups are still fighting it.

The first of four remaining votes on the bill is now scheduled for July 7. Gov. Jerry Brown, a former Jesuit seminarian, has not taken a position.

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