Newsmakers: Rep. Mike Freiberg Says Momentum Building for End-of-Life Bill
Rep. Mike Freiberg, chief author of the End-of-Life Options Act, says the contentious legislation has a better chance of passing this session than at any time before.
“It’s not a light bill, it’s not an easy one to talk about, but I’ve heard from so many Minnesotans who either have loved ones who have gone through a very painful process at the end of their life or going through it themselves and they just want to have that option,” said Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley.
Freiberg spoke to CCX Media’s Shannon Slatton for the station’s “Newsmakers” segment.
Under House File 1930, the bill provides an end-of-life option for patients who physicians say have six months or less to live. If the patient is of sound mental capacity, physicians can then prescribe a medication the patient can self-administer to end their life.
The bill recently cleared its first House committee hurdle.
“It’s modeled after similar law that’s been in effect for about 25 years in Oregon,” said Freiberg. “It’s a proven law and proven to be effective.”
Freiberg said the bill has momentum to pass this legislative session.
“Nothing is guaranteed in a legislative process, but I do feel like the chances of it passing and becoming law are certainly better than they’ve ever been before,” said Freiberg.
