John Burzichelli.jpg

Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) is the prime sponsor of the "Aid in Dying" bill.

(nj.com/file photo)

TRENTON -- The state Assembly approved legislation Thursday that would legally allow doctors to write a prescription for lethal drugs a terminally patient could take to end his or her life.

The bill has sparked a debate about whether government and medicine should play a role in helping a person die.

Here's what you need to know about what the legislation (A2451).

Q: Is this the law in New Jersey now?

A: No. The bill must pass a state Senate committee and the full Senate, then go to Gov. Chris Christie who will choose whether to sign it into law.

Q: What are the chances of that happening?

A: In the short term, unlikely. Christie has said he would veto the bill. In the last legislation session, the same bill got through the Assembly and a Senate committee, but it was never posted for a floor vote. Christie's term and the two-year legislative cycle ends in January 2018, so unless Christie leaves office sooner, the bill sponsors will have to start all over again with the committee hearing process.

Q: To whom would the law apply?

A: People who have received a terminal diagnosis, defined as an incurable, irreversible and medically confirmed disease that will end the person's life within six months.

Q: How would a person use the law?

A: Patients would have to make the request of their doctors in writing, signed by two witnesses, one of whom cannot be a relative or heir. The patient would have to meet with a doctor twice in person, with 15 days in between the first and second oral request.

The physician would have to give the patient a chance to rescind the request, and explain the alternatives, such as palliative care, hospice and other treatment. A consulting physician would be asked to certify the diagnosis and reaffirm the patient is of sound mind and is capable of making the decision.

Q: How would the state be involved?

A: Attending physicians would have to report to the state Division of Consumer Affairs that they have written a prescription for life-ending medications, and follow-up with another letter if the patient takes the drugs and commits suicide.

Q: Who opposes the legislation, and why?

A: Religious organizations, NJ Right to Life, disability rights organizations such as Not Dead Yet, the Medical Society of New Jersey, a physician lobbying group, are among the most vocal opponents.

They object for many reasons. Some say the law would give too much power to guardians and relatives who may try to force, or at least steer them, towards ending their lives. Others say elderly or sick people may feel obligated to die rather than burden their caregivers and families with their care. They also point to two episodes in Oregon in which an insurance company refused potentially life-extending treatment but approved the payment for the less expensive, life-ending medications.

Q: Which other states have similar "aid in dying' laws?

A: California, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Vermont. Montana's "right-to-die" was established under a court ruling, which provides physicians a legal defense or immunity from prosecution.

Q: What is the difference between "physician-assisted suicide" and "aid in dying?"

A: Right-to-die proponents say physician-assisted suicide is an inaccurate term because the patient takes the drug himself. Jack Kevorkian, the notorious advocate of the right-to-die movement, would administer the fatal dose of drugs and remain with the patient until death was confirmed.

Q: How did members of the N.J. Assembly vote on the 'Aid in Dying" bill?

A: See the chart below.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.