Judge declines to halt California's End of Life law

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- A judge refused Friday to temporarily halt a new California law that allows doctors to prescribe a fatal dose of drugs to terminally ill people in pain who wish to end their lives.

Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia in Riverside denied a request to issue a temporary injunction by those seeking to thwart the measure signed into law earlier this year by California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. Though the terminally ill will continue to able to take advantage of the law, opponents said they were pleased that Ottolia allowed their case to go forward.

Proponents, meanwhile, savored their victory. Sean Crowley of Compassion & Choices, one of the advocacy groups for the new law, said after the hearing that similar laws have been in place in other states for years without any allegations of abuse or coercion by doctors in dealing with the terminally ill. Several other states are considering End of Life measures.

An overflow crowd turned out to the court hearing, including many who wore red to signify their opposition. An older woman in a red windbreaker clutched a sheet of prayers and recited them under her breath during the proceedings.

One opponent, Ann Lau of Torrance, Calif., said she knows first-hand that sometimes those who are expected to have short lives end up up living much longer.

"Over three years ago, my friend was told she had three months to live. Now, three year later, she has seen the birth of her grandchild," said Lau. "Life is a process full of pain and suffering. But life is precious not only to themselves but to the people around them."

Manoochehri reported from Riverside and Woodyard from Los Angeles