A group of Michigan House Democrats has introduced a package of four bills aimed at legalizing physician-assisted suicide, rebranded as “medical aid in dying,” for terminally ill adults in the state.
The legislation would create a new “Death with Dignity Act” and establish a regulated process allowing certain patients to request and receive life-ending medication from a doctor.
The bills were referred to the House Committee on Government Operations, where they currently sit with no hearing scheduled yet.
Given the Republican majority in the Michigan House, the measures face long odds of advancing, but their introduction alone has reignited the long-running debate over assisted suicide in a state with a notorious history on the issue.
House Bill 5825 would allow “mentally competent” Michigan residents who are 18 years or older, diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to result in death within six months, and acting voluntarily to request a prescription for lethal medication from a licensed physician.
The bill requires two oral requests at least 15 days apart, one written request witnessed by two people, one of whom cannot be a relative or someone who stands to benefit financially, and confirmation of the diagnosis and mental capacity by two physicians.
The act states that death under the law “does not constitute suicide” for purposes of insurance or other legal matters.
The three companion bills provide additional legal protections and framework:
- HB 5826 prohibits state licensing boards from imposing sanctions on health care professionals who participate in good faith under the Death with Dignity Act.
- HB 5827 establishes sentencing guidelines for any crimes related to violations of the new act.
- HB 5828 prevents health insurers from invoking suicide-exclusion clauses in life insurance policies when a death occurs under the provisions of the act.
All four bills were introduced by Democratic representatives and are tie-barred, meaning none can take effect unless the full package passes.
Lead sponsor Rep. Kimberly Edwards described the legislation as compassionate.
Hellbound and Down 