Story highlights Group: Gov. Jerry Brown's decision to sign the bill, based on his personal feelings, is flawed

Brittany Maynard moved from California to Oregon as she struggled with terminal brain cancer

Others opposed California's legislation, including medical, disability and religious groups

(CNN) As California Gov. Jerry Brown pointed out Monday, ABX2 15 is not just any other piece of legislation: By definition, it's a matter of life and death.

"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," Brown said, "no matter how great his pain and suffering."

The governor made his perspective clear -- and made ABX2 15 , which is also called the "End of Life Option Act," a statewide law -- when he signed the controversial legislation Monday.

Until then, Brown hadn't indicated where he stood on the issue. Until he explained that his decision was personal, based on his reflections "on what I would want in the face of my own death."

"I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain," he wrote in a letter addressed to state lawmakers. "I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill.