Report: 29 Physician-Assisted Deaths In Vermont Since 2013

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — According to Vermont health officials, there have been 29 physician-assisted deaths in the state since 2013.

Vermont Public Radio reports the state passed the Patient Choice at the End of Life law in 2013. Under the law, doctors are able to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to patients with a terminal condition.

The Vermont Department of Health recently issued its first biennial report. According to the report, physicians prescribed lethal medication to 52 patients. Twenty-nine patients used the medication.

Officials say other patients died from their terminal illness.

The state Health Department recorded cases between May 31, 2013, and June 30, 2017. Officials say the majority of patients had either cancer or ALS.

Physician-assisted suicide is legal in five other states and Washington, D.C.

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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net