A Fate Worse than Death: The Perpetuation of Ableism Through California's "End of Life Option Act"

This Note discusses why physician-assisted suicide is inconsistent with California’s laws and how it should be remedied. First, Part I examines the history of physician-assisted suicide in the United States; the federal and Californian stances on the issue; how the EOLOA [End of Life Option Act] works today; and California’s stance on suicide prevention. Next, Part II looks at how California’s Equal Protection Clause and Civil Rights laws apply to individuals eligible for aid-in-dying medication, then analyzes a recent lawsuit brought against the state of California by disability advocacy groups regarding the EOLOA. Part III considers California and supporters’ interests in the EOLOA and examines the autonomy argument. Then, Part IV argues that disability should be a suspect classification in California and that terminal illnesses should qualify as disability. Part IV subsequently examines California’s current approach to suicide prevention care, how quality of life impacts the aid-in-dying issue, and California’s interest in providing physician-assisted suicide. Finally, Part V discusses the possible future of physician-assisted suicide, reform options for the law, and alternative means for State support of the terminally ill. This abstract has been taken from the author's introduction.