MN Assisted Suicide Bill Clears 1st Hurdle On Path To Becoming Law

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota Democrats signaled that legalizing physician-assisted suicide this year is a priority after passing the proposal in a rare pre-session committee hearing.

The 2024 state legislative session formally convenes on Feb. 12, but on Thursday, the House Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee held a hearing for the bill.

After several hours of emotional debate, the committee approved it on a 10-5 party-line vote.

The "End-of-Life Option Act" would allow an individual to request medical aid only if they meet specific criteria, which include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Has a "terminal disease" with a prognosis of no more than six months to live
• Is determined to be mentally capable to make such a decision
• Is not under guardianship or conservatorship

Democratic Rep. Mike Freiberg, of Golden Valley, has been pushing for physician-assisted suicide to be legalized in Minnesota since 2015. Before Thursday's hearing, Freiberg predicted the measure would pass the House, if not become law this year.

Democrats are preparing for the second consecutive legislative session where they control the state House, Senate, and the governor's mansion. Control of the chambers could change after the 2024 elections, putting extra pressure on Democrats to pass high-priority agenda items this spring.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.