California Gov. Jerry Brown passed a measure on Monday authorizing assisted-suicide among terminally ill patients.

The law states physicians are allowed to provide patients with a lethal prescription. Patients must be mentally competent, diagnosed with a terminal illness and anticipate their passing in six months or less, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death,” Brown wrote in his decision. “I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.”

In this situation, we accept and respect this process. Brown’s decision to sign the bill allows the possibility for someone to be put out of their misery, but in the end it is the patient’s choice.

The decision to check out is entirely an individual conclusion, the prescription just allows what they want to become real. The law allows access to a prescription so patients do not have to find alternative measures if they’re feeling suicidal.

We believe this is a well-looked over, thoughtful process in the hands of capable people. While doctors now have this great power, we believe ethics and acting in the right state of mind will aid them when they begin giving out lethal prescriptions.

We support the signing of a suicide-assisted bill in Ohio as well.

In the wake of the bill’s signing, we’d also like to point out that today marks National Depression Screening Day. We encourage anyone who feels the need to go to the screenings offered by the university. Screenings will be available on the second floor of the Student Center this Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.