SAN DIEGO - A California judge rejected a request by physicians to immediately suspend a new state law allowing terminally ill people to end their lives.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ottolia ruled Friday that the law will remain in effect for now as the physicians pursue their lawsuit claiming it lacks safeguards to protect against abuse.
The law took effect June 9 and allows terminally ill adults to obtain a prescription for life-ending drugs if a doctor has determined they have six months or less to live.
It is being challenged by the Life Legal Defense Foundation, American Academy of Medical Ethics and several physicians.
Advocates argued that terminally ill people could face prolonged, painful deaths if the law is suspended.
