A state judge tossed out California's physician-assisted suicide law May 15, claiming the legislation was unconstitutional because it was introduced in the wrong forum, according to NBC News.
Here are four things to know about the ruling.
1. State Superior Court for Riverside (Calif.) County Judge Daniel A. Ottolia ruled the legislation did not fall within the scope of healthcare services when the bill was under debate during a special section. The order is stayed for five days before the law is no longer in effect.
2. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said he will appeal the ruling, stating, "We strongly disagree with this ruling and the state is seeking expedited review in the Court of Appeal," according to NBC News.
3. The law went to court after several nonprofit organizations and physicians challenged the law, which allows adults to obtain prescriptions for life-ending medication if a physician has determined they have six months or less to live. Those opposing the law claim the legislation lacks the safeguards necessary to protect against abuse, the report states.
4. A report to the state legislature regarding the law's effectiveness for the latter half of 2016, obtained by NBC News, found 111 Californians took advantage of the law to end their lives during the time period. The law initially went into effect during the second half of 2015, The Los Angeles Times reports.