BOSTON — Supporters of medical aid in dying pressed Wednesday for a late-session vote on the proposal, pointing to growing numbers of legislative backers and movement at the committee level as a sign that “anything is possible.”

With one week remaining before lawmakers wrap up most controversial business for the two-year term, backers of a bill that would allow certain terminally ill patients to end their lives with a doctor’s prescription huddled on Beacon Hill to launch their latest call for action.

Joann Vizziello, a Wenham resident who was diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer in 2017, told fellow supporters that she has been pursuing every treatment option possible to extend her life and trying to maintain a positive attitude.

“Truth be told, sometimes, I can’t but worry that I, just like this legislative session, could be running out of time,” Vizziello said. “That negative thinking creeps up when I’m tired, and while both the disease itself and the treatment can cause fatigue, do you know what is also exhausting? Coming to the State House having to advocate for this legislation when the public opinion polls already make clear that the majority of Massachusetts residents want and support end of life options and medical aid in dying.”

Top House and Senate Democrats have given no indication that they plan to surface the bills for floor votes, and legislative sponsors say they’re still not sure if votes are in the cards even as they described a sense of optimism.

Supporters pointed to milestones over the past 18 months. Two joint committees – Public Health and Health Care Financing – gave the Senate version of the bill favorable reports, putting it before the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which is the furthest the measure has gotten in several sessions.

Gov. Maura Healey took office in January 2023, and she has voiced support for the concept of medical aid in dying with proper guardrails in place.

Several recent public polls have found significant support for medical aid in dying, an idea that voters rejected in a 2012 ballot question by a margin of 51% to 49%.

Rep. Jim O’Day, one of the chief backers of the bill, said Wednesday the latest draft is a “much different piece of legislation” than the 2012 ballot question because of various safeguards it includes.

“I can’t say for certain what will happen in these remaining days of session. I can tell you that the Senate president has been very, very tuned in on this bill’s progress and very, very thoughtful,” said Sen. Jo Comerford of Northampton, another primary sponsor.

She soon added, “I’m optimistic. I have no confirmation ... I am optimistic that the Senate is aware of this bill and there are positive signs in it moving forward. No guarantees.”

The topic has routinely generated lengthy, emotional hearings at the State House. Opponents, including some disability advocacy groups, argue that allowing medical aid in dying could expose patients to coercion and abuse.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 20 senators – an even half of the chamber – and 68 representatives cosponsored either or both versions of the bill.

Several members of Senate President Karen Spilka’s leadership team back the legislation, including Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger (who briefly poked into Wednesday’s event), Assistant Majority Leaders Joan Lovely and Michael Barrett, and Assistant Majority Whip Julian Cyr.

On the House side, Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch and First Division Chair Danielle Gregoire are cosponsors. O’Day is Mariano’s fourth division chair.

“I bump into folks in my districts or other representatives here that represent other districts who all come to me and say, ‘We need to get this bill done,’ ” O’Day said. “I thank them for their encouragement, and continue to let them know that we need to let the powers that be here be aware ... that this bill’s time has come.”