The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act goes into effect on January 1, 2026.

Weeks before the law was supposed to take effect, A group of plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit challenging Delaware’s medical aid-in-dying law. The suit was filed in U.S. District Court, arguing that the law is unconstitutional and discriminatory.

The plaintiffs asked a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order and/or injunction to prevent the law from taking effect on January 1, 2026. On December 30, 2025, the judge dismissed the lawsuit for lack of standing and denied the request for emergency relief. Because the court ruled on jurisdictional grounds, it did not reach the merits of the plaintiffs’ claims.

On December 31, the plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

On May 20, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer signed the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act (HB140) into law, making Delaware the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to legalize Death with Dignity.

For the first time ever, HB 140 passes the Delaware House and crosses over to the Senate and is assigned to the Senate Executive Committee. The bill was originally defeated in the Senate. Senator Townsend changed his vote from “yes” to “no” prompting a potential motion to reconsider on the Senate floor.

A motion to reconsider is accepted, HB140 is sent to Governor Carney for approval. Despite overwhelming support, Governor John Carney vetoed HB 140 on September 20. The Delaware House of Representatives introduced the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-of-Life Options Act (HB140) for the 2025 legislative session.

Delaware lawmakers reintroduce The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Law (HB 140), and is referred to the House Health & Human Development Committee. HB 140 passes out of Health and Human Development Committee and awaits a House floor vote. The bill crosses over to the next legislative session in 2024. The bill does not advance.

In the 2021/2022 session, The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB 140), is assigned to the House Health & Human Development Committee on the final day of the session, just before the Delaware General Assembly adjourns. The bill does not advance.

A 2020 GBAO Strategies poll finds 72 percent of Delaware residents support aid-in- dying legislation.

Delaware introduces HB140. The bill is heard in a house committee and later pulled from consideration by the sponsor.

Representative Paul Baumbach (D) introduces HB160, End of Life Options Act. The bill goes to the full House after referral by the House Health and Human Development Committee. Rolled into 2018, a vote in the House is twice delayed. The bill does not advance.

Representative Paul Baumbach sponsors HB150. Neither bill moves forward.