Advocates For Physician-Assisted Suicide Dealt Setback

A San Diego County Superior Court judge today dismissed a case asserting state law and the California constitution allow for physician-assisted suicide. The suit was filed by two California women with terminal cancer. The plaintiffs in the case say they will appeal the ruling.

In his dismissal the judge said it’s up to the state Legislature or voters to change the law, not the courts. But an effort to do that in the Legislature has stalled. A bill allowing for physician-assisted suicide came to a standstill in an Assembly committee. It ran into strong opposition from the Catholic Church and disability rights advocates. Proponents say they will keep trying.