DOVER, Del. — Delaware on Wednesday became the 11th state to legalize physician-assisted suicide, following the signing of the End-of-Life Options Act by Gov. Matt Meyer.
The law allows mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live to request a prescription for life-ending medication. The act, which takes effect in 2026, includes safeguards such as multiple requests, physician confirmation of the diagnosis, and a 15-day waiting period.
“We’re acknowledging today that even in the last moments of life, compassion matters,” Meyer said during the bill signing. “Every Delawarean should have the right to face their final chapter with peace, dignity and control.”
Delaware joins California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in legalizing medical aid in dying. Washington, D.C., also permits the practice. Supporters say the law provides comfort and autonomy for terminal patients; opponents argue it poses ethical and moral concerns.
The bill passed the Democratic-controlled General Assembly after years of debate. It cleared the state Senate earlier this month in a 14-7 vote, with one Republican joining Democrats in support.
Bill sparked renewed national conversation
Gov. Meyer, a Democrat, signed the measure amid renewed national attention on end-of-life issues. President Joe Biden’s home state adopting the legislation the same week his team disclosed his cancer diagnosis drew social media attention but was not addressed publicly by the White House.
The law stipulates that the patient must make two verbal requests at least 15 days apart and submit a written request signed by two witnesses. A second physician must confirm the diagnosis and assess mental capacity before a prescription can be provided.
The medication must be self-administered. Patients can change their minds at any time during the process. Physicians, pharmacists, and health care systems are permitted to opt out of participating.
Advocacy organizations such as Compassion & Choices praised Delaware’s action. Religious groups and disability rights advocates voiced opposition, raising concerns about vulnerable individuals being pressured or overlooked.
With the signing, Delaware aligns itself with a growing number of jurisdictions supporting medical aid in dying laws, which have faced legal, legislative and ethical scrutiny since Oregon first enacted its law in 1997.
Delaware becomes the first mid-Atlantic state to adopt the policy, signaling shifting attitudes in a region traditionally more cautious on the issue.
