As January comes to a close, we’re seeing non-stop momentum for state’s Death with Dignity bills across the country! In just the past two weeks, three states have held public hearings, one state has a floor vote scheduled, and new medical aid-in-dying bills keep rolling in week after week.

Here’s the latest:

Bill introductions

  • In Arizona, SB 1404/HB 2243, bills that would legalize Death with Dignity, have been introduced. We’re keeping a close eye on their progress as the bills move toward their first committee assignments.
  • Connecticut’s HB 5625, the state’s Death with Dignity bill, has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health. Connecticut has introduced aid-in-dying legislation consistently since 1995—could this be the year it finally passes? We’re fighting for it cross the finish line!
  • Massachusetts lawmakers introduced the End of Life Options Act (SD 1665/HD 2540), continuing the fight for expanded end-of-life options. Last year, the bill made historic progress, and we’re pushing for even more momentum this session.
  • In Rhode Island, the House of Representatives introduced the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (H5219), now referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Last year, the bill gained traction with a House public hearing—this could be the year Rhode Island finally passes its Death with Dignity law!
  • In Vermont H75, an amendment to the Vermont Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act, has been introduced. This update to the law would allow naturopathic doctors to participate in the state’s Death with Dignity law. The bill is now in the Committee on Health Care, and we fully support a state making its own decision about which healthcare providers should be eligible to participate!

With legislative sessions in full swing, we’ll keep you updated on these efforts and let you know how you can take action. Make sure you’re signed up for our mailing list here!

Public hearings

  • Delaware’s HB 140 had a public hearing in the House Health and Human Development Committee — and it passed with a 5-1 vote! The bill now heads to the House floor for a vote. Last year, it passed the House with an overwhelming 21-4 bipartisan vote. We’re hopeful Delawareans achieve their Death with Dignity rights this year!
  • In New Hampshire, HB 254 had a public hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, but no vote occurred, and we’re waiting for the bill to receive another hearing. Make sure you receive our emails to stay informed on the latest! 
  • In Montana SB 136 had a public hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee without a vote. We were incredibly moved by how strongly our Death with Dignity community showed up to oppose this dangerous bill. Thank you Montana advocates for showing up to support the movement!

Opposition bills

  • Connecticut Republican Representative Mark Anderson introduced HB 5712, a bill that would force the death certificate of a patient who chooses Death with Dignity to list their cause of death as “suicide.” This is an outright attempt to stigmatize and misrepresent patients’ choices, and we will fight this bill every step of the way. It’s currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Public Health.

Last year, we saw opponents use underhanded tactics to try and limit end-of-life options. That’s why we’re committed to exposing and countering these efforts. Death with Dignity is about autonomy, compassion, and choice—we won’t let these attacks go unanswered.

We’ll continue to provide updates on legislative developments and breaking news about the movement. Things can change quickly, so make sure you’re following us on Meta, Instagram, and X and sign up for our email alerts here.