By Chris Haring

A vote on the Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB140), which would legalize aid in dying, may come soon in the state Senate.

The Delaware Senate is on the brink of a crucial vote on the Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB140). Senate passage would be a significant step towards offering compassionate end-of-life options for Delaware residents.

Medical aid in dying has strong support from legislators and constituents

As Jacob Owens reported for Spotlight Delaware, HB140 – sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach (D – Newark) – passed the state house in April on a 21-16 vote and was reported out of the Senate Executive Committee last week. During public hearings, patients battling terminal illnesses and family members of those who died difficult deaths while asking for medical aid in dying championed the bill. 

Personal anecdotes underscore widespread constituent desire for Death with Dignity

John Silverio, whose father Ron is one of the bill’s namesakes and lost his life to cancer, stated, “My dad was a firm believer in the right to die with dignity and fought tirelessly for this cause. This bill honors his legacy and gives others the compassionate choice he wished he had.” 

Another Delawarean, Judy Govatos, a terminally ill cancer patient, shared, “When my time comes, I want my family around me and to know all the love I’ve given them is in them. I want them to remember that, not my terrible death.”

Delaware is poised to join several other states with aid-in-dying laws

If passed, HB140 would place Delaware as a leader in recognizing the need for expanded end-of-life options, joining Oregon, Maine, Vermont, and several others as aid-in-dying states.

As the Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act heads to the Senate floor for a decisive vote, we encourage our supporters to send a letter to your senators, urging them to pass HB140. Add your voice here.