Weeks like this are what keep us in the fight! The past few weeks have been a powerful mix of defeating opposition bills, pushing forward medical aid in dying legislation, and celebrating the tireless efforts of our movement that have brought us this far.

Here’s the latest update:

Public Hearings and House Votes

  • HUGE win in Delaware! The Ron Silverio/Heather Block Delaware End of Life Options Act (HB140) passed the Senate Executive Committee. There was a motion to table the bill, but it was defeated by our legislative advocates. Now, HB140 moves to the Senate floor! Delawareans, this is your last chance to make your voices heard—contact your state senators and demand that Death with Dignity be recognized as a fundamental human right!
  • The Illinois End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB9) passed the Senate Executive Committee with a 8-3 vote. The bill’s next stop is the Senate floor! The next step is the Senate floor! Illinois residents, it’s crucial that you reach out to your state senators and demand they pass SB9 out of the Senate.
  • In Massachusetts, the Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing for the Massachusetts End of Life Options Act (S.1486/H.2505). The support was overwhelming, with dozens of advocates attending to make their voices heard! We’re now waiting for a vote in the committee.
  • California’s SB403 has a hearing in the Senate Health Committee on April 23 at 1:30 PST. This important amendment will eliminate the sunset clause, making California’s End of Life Option Act permanent!
  • Nevada’s AB346 had two public hearings in the Assembly Select Committee on End of Life Care on April 2.
  • After a work session, Oregon’s SB1003 was referred to the Senate Rules Committee without recommendation with a 4-2 vote. We are supportive of Oregon’s amendment to make it so more terminally ill Oregonians can access Death with Dignity!
  • Maine’s LD613 has a public hearing on Friday, April 11 in the Health and Human Services Committee. The amendment would allow attending physicians to waive any portion or all of the waiting periods if it’s in the best interest of the qualified patient.

Bill Introductions

  • Pennsylvania introduced the Compassionate Aid in Dying Act (HB1109) and was referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Pennsylvanians, we need this bill to receive a public hearing! Contact the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to pass medical aid in dying for terminally ill Pennsylvania residents.
  • Minnesota introduced the End-of-Life Option Act (HF2998). Unfortunately, the bill missed the committee deadline, preventing it from moving forward. Although this bill will not progress this session, we strongly support Minnesota’s continued efforts to bring Death with Dignity legislation to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Opposition Bills

In Montana, the state House voted against banning Death with Dignity in Montana, defeating SB136 in a vote of 42-58! Thanks to this powerful bipartisan effort, doctors will continue supporting terminally ill patients through medical aid in dying without fear of punishment—a right Montana has upheld since 2009.

This victory belongs to the people of Montana. Their stories, calls, emails, and unwavering commitment made the difference. Thank you for showing up and speaking out at a time when your voices were crucial to ensuring Montana maintained this right!

58 legislators chose dignity, freedom, and the protection of dying patients, and we are eternally grateful for their courage and for being on the right side of history.

Legislation moves fast, and your voice makes a difference! Stay connected with us on Meta, Instagram, X, and Bluesky, and make sure to sign up for Death with Dignity email alerts!

Thank you for your continued support of the Death with Dignity movement. We’re fighting on all fronts—defending critical legislation while pushing forward new victories for end-of-life freedoms. Your gift will support our legal and policy teams as they work tirelessly to protect and advance Death with Dignity legislation. Together, we’ll continue the fight to secure your right to choose a dignified end-of-life option.