According to the Secretary of State’s office, a measure that allows the terminally ill to end their lives has turned in enough valid signatures for it to be on Colorado's ballot in November.
If the initiative passes, doctors would be allowed to prescribe a fatal dose of medication for a patient with a diagnosis of six months or less to live. The patient would have to request the medication while still mentally competent and be able to take the medication on their own.
Five other states currently allow some type of medical assistance in dying. This measure is based on Oregon’s law.
The state legislature has rejected similar policies in recent years. Those bills were opposed by the Colorado Catholic Conference and disability rights organizations.
