A bill in the Democratic stronghold of Maryland to legalise assisted suicide has failed for lack of support before the finish of the legislative term.

This was the eighth attempt to push through such legislation.

The bill titled the “End of Life Options Act” would have allowed doctors to end the life of their patient if it was determined that the patient had six months or less left to live.

However, the bill was defeated after the efforts of those opposing the bill, leading to the House bill being stalled, and the Senate bill being denied a reading, in what has been described as a pro-life victory

Opponents had sent over 8,000 letters to legislators urging them to vote against the bill to protect vulnerable individuals and the integrity of the medical profession.