euthanasia

They grapple over cases where pain might be alleviated by money, adequate housing or social connection, and express deep discomfort with ending lives of people whose deaths were avoidable.

For decades, the U.S. medical system has adhered to a legally recognized standard for death, one embraced by most states. Why is a uniform standard for the start of human life proving so elusive?

The Vermont law allows physicians to prescribe lethal medication to only state residents with an incurable illness that is expected to kill them within six months.

Canada is set to expand access next year, but human rights advocates say the system lacks safeguards and is prompting doctors to suggest the procedure to those who might not otherwise consider it.

Supporters call this right-to-die proposal the strongest move yet to document a person's advance wishes in cases of severe dementia. Critics say it would deny basic care to society's most vulnerable.