Lawmaker says NJ should legalize 'death with dignity'

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- The story of a young woman who is suffering from brain cancer and chose the date of her death has gone viral, and is putting new focus on a proposed law in New Jersey.

That viral story is about Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old newlywed who went from a virtual unknown to the face of a difficult decision.

On November 1st, Maynard will die. Her death won't be from the terminal brain tumor that is slowly killing her, but on her own terms under Oregon's death with dignity law.

She and her husband moved to Oregon where it's legal for terminally ill patients to get prescription drugs with the intent of taking their own lives.

Maynard already has the pills in hand.

"I can't keep even tell you the amount of relief that it provides me to know that I don't have to die the way it's been described to me that my brain tumor would take me," Maynard said in a YouTube video explaining her decision.

Brittany's decision has reignited debate about assisted suicide. It's only legal in five states. South Jersey Democrat John Burzichelli thinks New Jersey should offer it, too.

"If you are in a terminal state and you really don't want to go through what you're going through - even with all the help that's around you - your choices to end your life at this point are very limited and often very violent," Burzichelli said.

Burzichelli hopes to get an assisted suicide bill through the State Assembly in the next several months.

Meanwhile, reaction to Brittany's decision to end her life before the brain cancer debilitates her is strong.

"I went through this personally with my dad he died of a brain tumor. The last couple months of his life were terrible. I applaud her I think she has every right to do what she wants to do," said Susan Walsh of Marlton.

The Espositos of West Deptford completely disagree on the issue.

"I think you should be able to, it's your life. You should be able to do what you want to do and shouldn't affect anybody else," said Bob Esposito.

For more on Brittany Maynard's decision, read our full story here on 6abc.com.