Michigan Lawmakers Propose 'Death With Dignity' Medically Assisted Suicide Bills
Michigan House Democrats introduced a "Death With Dignity" Act to legalize medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults on May 12, 2026.[1]
Under the proposal, patients must have a prognosis of six months or less, obtain two physician evaluations, make multiple oral and written requests, and wait at least 15 days before receiving the medication.[1] The legislation would shield providers who follow the law from civil or criminal liability and would prevent insurers from treating such deaths as suicide for claims purposes.[1] It would criminalize forging or concealing a patient's request, with penalties up to 20 years in prison or a $375,000 fine.[1] The state health department would monitor implementation and issue annual reports on the law if it becomes enacted.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On May 12, 2026, Fox News reported Michigan House Democrats introduced a Death with Dignity Act to legalize medically assisted suicide for terminally ill adults.
- Patients would need a prognosis of six months or less to live, two physician evaluations, multiple oral and written requests, and at least a 15‑day waiting period.
- The proposal criminalizes forging or concealing a patient's request with penalties up to 20 years in prison or a $375,000 fine and shields compliant providers from liability.
- Deaths under the act would not be classified as suicide for insurance purposes, and the state health department would monitor implementation and issue annual reports.
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