Democratic Reps. Joann Ginal of Fort Collins and Lois Court of Denver tearfully vowed before a hushed House chamber that they will try again next year.
The bill would have provided the terminally ill a legal option to end their lives. It passed a Democrat-led House committee, but Ginal and Court pulled it before a scheduled debate on the House floor Wednesday.
They suggested that lawmakers from both parties preferred to avoid forcing a voice vote on the measure, despite what they call broad public support for it.
They also say some lawmakers were prepared to introduce amendments to gut the bill.