Which Way, L.A.?
The Changing Politics of Dying
A "right to die" bill similar to an Oregon law is stalled in the California Senate. It would permit doctors to give lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients with less than six months left to live. Polls show a majority of Californians favor what's called "death with dignity" and, for the first time, doctors have dropped their opposition. But opponents say the sick and dying are too vulnerable to coercion.
By Barbara Bogaev • • 25m ListenA "right to die" bill similar to an Oregon law is stalled in the California Senate. It would permit doctors to give lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients (with less than six months left to live, to help them die quickly and painlessly). Polls show a majority of Californians favor what's called "death with dignity" and, for the first time, doctors have dropped their opposition. But opponents say the sick and dying are too vulnerable to coercion.
Also, the state water board is on the brink of forcing more California growers to shut off their pumps.
Photo: Lee Haywood
In this episode
2 storiesIs California Ready for Assisted Death?
Over the last decade supporters of right-to-die laws have proposed a series of bills, all of which were emphatically opposed by the powerful, statewide doctors association Now a new bill is stalled in the state Senate, but this time it might have a chance.
Read the story18 minMandatory Water Usage Cuts Loom
Nearly 40 years ago, a drought stricken California ordered growers with the oldest water rights in the state to stop diverting water from lakes and streams. Now it's deja vu all over again. Last week the State Water Resources Control Board announced they’re preparing to order many growers with rights that pre-date 1914 to turn off their pumps.
Read the story7 min