A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced legislation that would create a legal process for terminally ill residents to obtain and self-administer life-ending medication, though the bill avoids labeling the practice as physician-assisted suicide under state law.
House Bill 408, filed by Rep. Adrielle Camuel, D-Lexington, would allow eligible Kentuckians to request medication to end their lives if they meet strict medical and legal criteria.
“I am proud of the work that has been put into crafting a compassionate bill that creates a comprehensive legal framework allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults in Kentucky to obtain and self-administer life-ending medication under strict safeguards,” Camuel said in emailed comments to Kentucky Today.
The measure, also called “Rena’s Law,” honors Rena Baer, a close friend of Camuel who died in July 2025 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. Baer asked Camuel to pursue a Death with Dignity bill following her diagnosis.
Under HB 408, a patient must be at least 18 years old, mentally capable and diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to result in death within six months. That determination must be made by both an attending and consulting medical professional licensed in Kentucky. The patient must also voluntarily express a wish to die.
A written request must be signed by two witnesses who attest the patient is acting voluntarily, mentally capable and not under coercion. At least one witness cannot be a relative, someone entitled to the patient’s estate or an owner, operator or employee of the health care facility where the patient is receiving care.
The bill establishes multiple waiting periods. A written request may be submitted only after 15 days following an initial oral request. A second oral request must then be made at least 15 days after the first. The attending provider must also offer the patient an opportunity to rescind the request 48 hours after the written request is signed. Patients may withdraw their request at any time.
If a medical provider believes a patient may be suffering from a psychiatric or psychological condition, including depression, that impairs judgment, the patient must be referred for counseling. The process cannot continue unless a counselor determines the patient’s judgment is not impaired.
HB 408 explicitly prohibits providers from directly ending a patient’s life through lethal injection, mercy killing or active euthanasia. It also includes conscience protections, allowing physicians and health care providers to opt out of participation. Facilities may prohibit the practice on their premises and prevent employees from taking part while on duty, though they cannot bar participation outside the scope of employment.
While Camuel said the bill could be described as medical aid in dying, actions taken under HB 408 would not be defined as suicide or physician-assisted suicide under Kentucky law. Instead, the cause of death would be listed as related to the patient’s terminal illness.
“The decision is not considered suicide, as the underlying cause of death is the terminal illness itself,” Camuel said.
She described the legislation as an effort to provide dignity and compassion to people nearing the end of life.
“Medical aid in dying gives these individuals the option to have a peaceful death on their own terms, rather than enduring prolonged suffering,” Camuel said. “This is about fundamental compassion and respecting the autonomy of people in their most vulnerable moments.”
House Bill 408 was introduced on January 15 and referred to the House Health Services Committee on January 23.
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