A Long Journey Ends with Dignity: Delaware Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying

Portland, Oregon, May 20, 2025 – Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation today legalizing medical aid in dying (MAID), making Delaware the 12th jurisdiction* in the United States to provide terminally ill residents with the right to control their own end-of-life decisions.

The law passed the legislature last year, too, only to be vetoed by former Governor John Carney. The Delaware Legislature acted quickly this session, after Meyer vowed to sign the legislation if it came to his desk.

Dr. Peg Sandeen, CEO of Death with Dignity, a national advocacy organization dedicated to passing laws across the country, said Delaware could mark a turning point in encouraging other states to pass their own laws.

“For years we have heard lawmakers say they are afraid to vote on this legislation despite support typically in the 70% range. When Governor Meyer made Death with Dignity a campaign promise before he was elected, he showed us that elected officials gain support from voters when they support Death with Dignity.”

Dr. Sandeen noted legislation is still alive in New York, where MAID legislation has passed the State Assembly and is now under consideration by the Senate, and also in Massachusetts, where the bill is expected to be voted out of committee within a few weeks.

“Medical aid in dying is an established medical practice supported by an overwhelming majority of individuals living in the United States, and we applaud the growing numbers of elected officials willing to stand up for dying patients and fight for their right to end their lives with dignity and compassion,” said Sandeen. “We commend the Delaware Legislature and Governor Meyer for supporting the will of voters, and more importantly, recognizing the rights of the terminally ill.”

Meyer made good on his campaign promise today.

“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,” Governor 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.”

*10 states plus the District of Columbia allow medical aid in dying by statute (OR, WA, VT, CA, CO, HI, ME, NJ, NM, DE, and D.C.) and Montana permits the process through a Montana Supreme Court decision.

For media inquiries, please contact Elia Lawatsch: [email protected].