Michigan Democrats propose death with dignity measure for terminally ill adults

Democrats in the Michigan House have proposed a package of bills aimed at legalizing medically assisted suicide for some terminally ill adults.

The package, which would create the Death with Dignity Act, would allow certain terminally ill adults aged six months or less to request and receive medication to end their own lives.

Within the scope of the package, patients will be required to make multiple requests, both written and verbal, and wait at least 15 days between requests. They also need to receive an evaluation from two doctors, potentially receive a mental health evaluation, be informed about alternatives such as hospice and pain care, and be told they can change their mind at any time.

The legislation states, “Any person who knowingly alters or forges a request for medication under this act without the consent of the patient, or conceals or destroys the cancellation of such request with the intent or effect of causing the death of the patient, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or by a fine of not more than $375,000.00, or by both.” The statement is included.

DELAWARE’S ASSISTED SUICIDE ACT IS SIGNED INTO LAW, BECOMING THE 11TH STATE TO HAVE SUCH A LAW

The proposal also does not allow a doctor or anyone else to directly cause death through lethal injection, mercy killing or active euthanasia.

The package would protect doctors and others from criminal or civil liability if they comply with the law, allow providers to opt out and protect patients from insurance discrimination.

Under the measure, doctors, pharmacists and other licensed professionals cannot be investigated or disciplined simply for allegedly honorably assisting in death, as long as they comply with the law.

NY GOVERNMENT HOCHUL TO SIGN A BILL TO LEGALize DOCTOR-ASSISTED SUICIDE: ‘WHO AM I TO DENY YOU?’

Protesters gather during a demonstration organized by Dignity in Dying Scotland as the Scottish Parliament takes its final vote on the Assisted Dying Bill on March 17, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The state health department will review cases and issue annual reports. The department will have access to prescription records for life-ending medications to monitor compliance.

Additionally, health insurers will not be allowed to deny or limit coverage because a person plans to end their life under the Death with Dignity Act.

Current insurance rules will be changed to ensure that a patient who chooses medical assistance in dying will not be treated as having died by suicide for insurance purposes. If a person dies under the Death with Dignity Act, life insurance rules regarding suicide will not apply.

Michigan will join nearly a dozen states and Washington, D.C., in adopting laws allowing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults, including Delaware, New York and Illinois, which have each approved laws that would take effect this year in 2025.

Michigan will join a dozen other states and Washington, D.C., in passing laws allowing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Many other countries, including Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and Colombia, have also legalized so-called death with dignity.

Supporters of the law, including medical assistance in dying advocacy groups, argue it would give mentally capable, terminally ill adults an additional end-of-life option while preserving safeguards such as multiple requests, physician review, waiting periods and the ability to cancel a request at any time.

Republicans and faith leaders, particularly the Catholic and evangelical communities, have long expressed concern about assisted suicide, citing moral and ethical concerns as well as the sanctity of life.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., previously said: “So-called assisted dying endangers the weak and marginalized in society, corrupts medicine, and erodes our obligations to the family.” “And we will support and respect every life, no matter how old, sick or frail they are.”