Supporters: Medically Assisted Suicide Provides 'Peace Of Mind'

DENVER (CBS4)- Voters in Colorado approved a proposition to allow terminally ill people to end their own lives.

Proposition 106 has passed, which means Colorado joins four other states, Oregon, Washington, Vermont and California as states with medically-assisted-suicide laws.

It was one of the most emotionally-charged ballot initiatives for voters across the state.

Proponents say it brings relief to people struggling with a terminal illness.

"It's up to the health care providers in Colorado now to make is accessible to people. When people make a request, to allow them to complete their request, to complete their eligibility requirements and actually achieve the kind of peace of mind that the bill is intended to do," said Compassion and Choices spokeswoman Barbara Coombs Lee.

In order for patients to quality for life-ending prescription medication, two doctors must submit approval. They also must agree that the patient is terminally ill, has six months or less to live and is mentally competent to make the decision to stop living.

It passed by a margin of 65 percent to 35 percent.