We’re celebrating a week of powerful wins for Death with Dignity. Thanks to years of advocacy and your support, we’ve hit major milestones in two states!

Two bills are now headed to the Governor’s desk, and a third is advancing through the Assembly after a key Senate victory. These moments are the result of tireless work, courageous storytelling, and a shared commitment to end-of-life autonomy. We’re not done yet, but today, we celebrate.

Here’s the latest:

  • Your hard work made history! The New York State Senate passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S138) in a 35–27 vote! The bill is now in the Assembly, where it will be transmitted to the Governor’s desk—stay connected with us next steps for advocacy.

    This milestone is more than a decade in the making for our movement. In 2018, our CEO, Peg Sandeen, was honored to open the Senate proceedings at the invitation of the bill’s sponsors, helping set the tone for the hearing. Together, we made historic progress, and our collective work continues!

    NEW YORKERS: 35 senators chose freedom and the voices of terminally ill patients when they cast their vote. Take a moment to thank the Senators who voted YES, for choosing dignity and choice at the end-of-life.
  • After bouncing between the House and Senate (and back again), the amendment to Maine’s Death with Dignity law, LD613, officially passed the House in a 79-62 vote, and received approval in both chambers. Now, it heads to Governor Janet Mills’ desk for her signature.

    Once enacted, the new medical aid in dying amendment will allow physicians to use their clinical judgment to waive up to 10 days of the current 15-day waiting period, removing a critical barrier for terminally ill patients seeking a peaceful end-of-life option.

    We’re thrilled that this change will improve access for Maine residents. And we’re deeply grateful to Maine Death with Dignity, dedicated advocates, and courageous legislators who fought tirelessly to make it happen. Stay tuned—we’ll share updates as soon as the Governor signs.
  • SB403, the amendment to the California End of Life Option Act that would eliminate the sunset clause and make the law permanent, was referred to the House Judiciary and Health Committee. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this bill moves through the Assembly in the coming weeks.

Your commitment is the driving force behind the Death with Dignity movement. Thanks to your support, we’ve made powerful strides this year, but there’s still more work ahead.

As legislative sessions wind down across the country, we’re here to keep you informed and engaged at every step. Together, we’ve built real momentum, but advancing and protecting end-of-life options continues to demand urgent action.

You can help keep that momentum going. Make a gift today to fuel our legal and policy efforts nationwide.

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