In a strong statement defending life and limited government, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo (R) announced Friday that he would reject a bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide should it pass the state legislature.
The Governor’s Stand
This isn’t the first time Governor Lombardo has taken such a stand. In June 2023, he vetoed a similar bill (SB 239), becoming the first governor in the United States to block such a measure. Now he’s promising to do the same with Assembly Bill 346, which would allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medication prescribed by doctors.
“Expansions in palliative care services and continued improvements in advanced pain management make the end-of-life-provisions in AB346 unnecessary, and I would encourage the 2025 Legislature to disregard AB346 because I will not sign it,” Lombardo said in his statement.
— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) April 4, 2025
The wording closely mirrors his 2023 veto message, showing his consistent position on this issue. Back then, he wrote that “expansions in palliative care services and continued improvement in advanced pain management make the end-of-life provisions in SB239 unnecessary.”
What the Bill Does
AB 346 would allow physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients who are at least 18 years old. The bill requires patients to be mentally capable of making the decision and mandates two verbal requests at least 15 days apart, plus a written request signed by witnesses.
Patients must have a terminal diagnosis with less than six months to live, confirmed by two medical practitioners. The attending practitioner must ensure patients are informed about alternatives like hospice or pain management.
“When it comes to this complicated issue, are things really black and white? I would argue no,” said Republican co-sponsor Assemblywoman Gallant in a recent opinion piece. “There’s plenty of room for nuance on both sides that can lead to such a mixed opinion on how we view matters of life and death.”
Why it Matters to Conservatives
For conservatives who believe in limited government and the sanctity of life, Lombardo’s stance represents a victory for several key principles.
First, it keeps government from expanding its reach into deeply personal medical decisions that could lead down a slippery slope. When government gets involved in life-and-death choices, it raises serious questions about how far government power should extend.
Second, it protects vulnerable people. Many disability rights organizations oppose these bills because they worry people might feel pressured to choose death rather than becoming a “burden” on their families.
Third, it respects the conscience rights of medical professionals who took an oath to heal, not harm. Doctors should prescribe medicine, not death.
What Critics Say
Opponents of the governor’s position argue that medical aid in dying gives patients personal choice and control over their suffering. They point to polling showing many Nevadans support such measures.
When Lombardo vetoed the last bill in 2023, some groups criticized him sharply. Compassion & Choices Action Network claimed he was “interfering with decisions about end-of-life care” and “ignoring the will of the people.”
A Veto Likely to Stand
The 2025 legislative session still has months to debate this bill, but Governor Lombardo’s early announcement makes its future doubtful. Even with bipartisan support, the bill faces a steep climb to overcome a gubernatorial veto.
In Nevada, overriding a veto requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers – that’s 28 votes in the 42-member Assembly and 14 votes in the 21-member Senate. After the 2024 elections, Democrats control 27 seats in the Assembly and 13 in the Senate, meaning they would need one Republican to cross party lines in each chamber to override a veto.
The last similar bill passed by narrow margins – just 23-19 in the Assembly and 11-10 in the Senate – far short of what would be needed. While the bill’s bipartisan sponsorship might attract more Republican votes this time, overcoming a veto would still require a significant break from party loyalty, which seems unlikely in today’s polarized political climate.
The governor made his position crystal clear when he told lawmakers to simply skip the lengthy debate process, saying, “I would encourage the legislature to disregard AB346 because I will not sign it.”
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
