Sen. Blakespear Issues Statement on Medical-Aid-in-Dying Legislation

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, issued the following statement today on her decision not to move forward with SB 1196 this year:

"I have decided not to move forward this year with SB 1196, my legislation to modify California’s End of Life Option Act to expand options for adults with an incurable and fatal disease.

Since introducing this bill, I have received a flood of calls and emails in support of this legislation by individuals who saw loved ones, desperate for this option in their final days, be denied. Many more stories came in from individuals who were recently diagnosed with terminal illnesses struggling to identify providers who may offer this option.

If people have an incurable illness or disease that is causing them great suffering and will in fact result in their natural death‚ I believe they should have the autonomy to make decisions that allow them to have the exit of their choosing‚ at a time‚ and in a manner‚ that works best for them.

However, at this point, there is a reluctance from many around me to take up this discussion, and the future is unclear. The topic, however, remains of great interest to me and to those who have supported this bill thus far."

Elected in 2022, Sen. Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website. 

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