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Push for assisted death bill in Maryland

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Supporters of allowing the terminally ill to end their lives with the help of a doctor are hoping they have the votes to pass legislation in Maryland this year.

The measure's sponsors say they have about 60 co-sponsors for the bill.

Supporters say the measure would give mentally capable terminally ills adults with six months or less to live the option to get a doctor's help in ending their lives, if their suffering becomes unbearable.

Legislation has been filed before. In 2017, the measure was withdrawn for lack of support.

Doctor-assisted deaths are legal in seven states, including California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia.