DC Council approves 'right-to-die' bill by veto-proof margin

WASHINGTON (AP) -- District of Columbia residents with less than six months to live would be able to request lethal medication from their doctors under a bill approved by lawmakers.

The D.C. Council approved the so-called "right to die" bill Tuesday in an 11-to-2 vote. Council members will vote on it again before sending it to Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, but as it stands the margin is veto-proof. Bowser has not taken a position on the bill, and opponents have urged her to veto it.

Physician-assisted death is legal in five states, and several others are considering legislation.

In the District, opponents expressed concern that lower-income residents would be pushed to end their lives prematurely rather than undergo costly treatment. Supporters said those concerns are unfounded.