California law allows aid in dying for terminally ill

(The Christian Science Monitor) After California approved a law allowing the terminally ill to end their lives, joining several other states authorizing that decision, the choice is now available to nearly one in six Americans.

When signing the California law, Gov. Jerry Brown, a former Catholic seminarian, said that he carefully considered arguments on both sides.

“I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain,” Brown said. “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.”