California Governor Jerry Brown just signed a bill into law that legalizes the right of dying people to voluntarily end their lives. Along with his signature, Brown issued a heartfelt letter to the California State Assembly explaining the reason for approving the End of Life Option Act.

"The crux of the matter is whether the State of California should continue to make it a crime for a dying person to end his life, no matter how great his pain or suffering," Brown wrote. "In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death."

"I wouldn't deny that right to others."

"I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain," Brown wrote. "I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn't deny that right to others."

The act makes California the fifth US state to permit terminally ill patients the ability to end their lives on their terms, joining Washington, Oregon, Vermont, and New Mexico. California's law will require that patients be capable of administering the life-ending medication to themselves. Additionally, a patient's decision must be submitted in a written request signed in front of two witnesses, and the procedure must be approved by two doctors.

You can read Brown's full letter below.