Medically assisted suicide bill defeated in Maryland State Senate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A bill to legalize medically assisted suicide has been defeated in the Maryland State Senate.

The bill failed by a 23-23 vote on Wednesday - one vote short of the 24 it needed to pass.

The measure would have allowed adults to obtain a prescription for life-ending drugs if a doctor finds they have six months or less to live.

The physician must certify that the person has the capacity to make the decision, and the prescription can only be self-administered.

Supporters say they have included safeguards in the legislation. For example, a patient would have to make three requests, including one in private with a physician.