After over a decade’s worth of effort and contentious battles within the state legislature, Gov. Matt Meyer signs legislation to legalize medical aid in dying, making Delaware the 12th jurisdiction to do so.
The bill allows terminally ill adults with no more than a six-month death prognosis to explore end-of-life options, commonly referred to as physician-assisted suicide.
Former State Rep. Paul Baumbach championed the legislation right up until his retirement last year, when he got the bill through the House and Senate for the first time, only to see it vetoed by former Gov. John Carney.
“The issue of autonomy of dying Delawareans is so much bigger than one person, whether it be the initial legislator, two incredible advocates and certainly much bigger than an extremely disappointing governor. But Delaware is blessed now with legislative leaders such as Rep. Morrison and Sen. Townsend and with Gov. Matt Meyer, who listens to our state's residents and who feels their pain in his heart," Baumbach said.
The legislation passed 21-17 in the House this session with three members absent and passed 11-8 with two members absent in the Senate.
The end-of-life medication will only be prescribed to the terminally ill patient after two verbal and one written request — a guardian or surrogate healthcare decision maker cannot make the request on the adult’s behalf.
"This signing today is about relieving suffering and giving families the comfort of knowing that their loved one was able to pass on their own terms without unnecessary pain and surrounded by the people they love the most," Gov. Meyer said. "For many of you — many more than me — this has been a long journey. For nearly a decade this idea has been debated and delayed, but always defended by those of you who believed deeply that it was the right thing to do, and it's because of you that we're here today and because of that courage I will be signing that bill."
The new law will officially go into effect at the latest Jan. 1, 2026, unless the required regulations can be promulgated sooner.
