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Maryland senator withdraws right-to-die measure

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Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct an earlier statement from the bill's sponsor on whether he planned to re-introduce the bill next year.

A Maryland senator has withdrawn a measure to allow terminally ill residents to legally end their lives with drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Sen. Ron Young, a Frederick County Democrat, said he withdrew the bill Thursday, when it became clear the measure did not have the votes in committee.

Related: Right-to-die debate to resurface in Maryland at this year's legislative session

The measure would have allowed mentally capable, terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to obtain prescription drugs they could ingest themselves, if their suffering became unbearable. The bill stalled last year, but supporters hoped adding some safeguards would help.

See also: 'Right to die' legislation gets lengthy, emotional hearing in Annapolis

Young says he will try again next year.

Opponents cited concerns that vulnerable people like the developmentally disabled could be pressured to end their lives.

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