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California End of Life Option Act

The California End of Life Option Act, which went into effect June 9, 2016, legally authorizes a physician to prescribe an aid-in-dying drug if specified conditions are met so that a patient may end his or her life.

The intent and provisions set forth in the law are deemed inconsistent with Saint Agnes Medical Center's mission and core values, and with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church as stipulated in the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services #60, which states: "Catholic health care institutions may never condone or participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide in any way."

As a Catholic health care provider, Saint Agnes Medical Center is committed to delivering optimal care to individuals who are living with a terminal illness, including pain and symptom management, spiritual care, social services, bereavement counseling and other support provided by our caring professionals.  Believing that death is a sacred part of life's journey, Saint Agnes will not intentionally hasten or delay it.  However, we will not participate in any way in physician aid-in-dying or the End of Life Option Act.

If a patient who chooses Saint Agnes for their health care needs later decides to seek assistance with his or her death as stipulated in the law, we will talk with them about transferring their care to another facility or program.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.