LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Adults suffering from a terminal illness would have the legal right to end their own lives under a bill presented to a Nebraska legislative committee.

The bill on Wednesday drew emotional support from residents who have watched their loved ones die slow, painful deaths, while some medical professionals opposed it.

Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha says he introduced the measure to help people on the verge of death end their own lives without suffering needlessly. If the bill passes, Nebraska would join Montana, Oregon, Washington, Vermont and California in allowing patients to take their own lives.

The legislation would only apply to patients who are believed to have less than six months to live, and patients could rescind the request at any time.