Governors Who Signed Death with Dignity Into Law and Why New York’s Should Be Next

With New York’s Death with Dignity bill, the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136), passed by both chambers of the New York State Legislature, the future of this deeply personal and widely supported legislation now rests with Governor Kathy Hochul.

As we await her decision, we are reminded of the courageous choices made by governors across the country who have supported terminally ill people and their families. These leaders recognized that dignity and individual choice must be at the heart of end-of-life options.

Here’s what they had to say when they signed medical aid-in-dying laws into law in their own states:

California: Governor Jerry Brown

California became the fifth U.S. jurisdiction to authorize physician-assisted dying with the passage of the California End of Life Option Act, which went into effect on June 9, 2016, after years of advocacy. A lifelong Catholic and former Jesuit seminarian, Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill after deep moral reflection.

 “In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death,” Governor Brown wrote in his signing statement.

“I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill.”

Since then, California has taken steps to strengthen access to the law, reducing the waiting period from 15 days to 48 hours and moving toward eliminating the sunset clause to make the law permanent.

New Jersey: Governor Phil Murphy

New Jersey became the seventh jurisdiction to enact a Death with Dignity law with the passage of the New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act in 2019, after seven years of advocacy and legislative efforts. The law gives terminally ill residents of New Jersey the legal right to choose medical aid in dying. At the bill signing, Governor Phil Murphy stated:

“Allowing residents with terminal illnesses to make end-of-life choices for themselves is the right thing to do,” said Governor Murphy.

“By signing this bill today, we are providing terminally ill patients and their families with the humanity, dignity, and respect that they so richly deserve at the most difficult times any of us will face.”

Since the passing of New Jersey’s Death with Dignity law, there have been attempts to amend or even repeal it. While some efforts aim to improve access, such as shortening the waiting period, others threaten to undermine the law entirely. We remain committed to protecting and expanding New Jersey’s aid-in-dying bill, and to opposing rollbacks that would strip terminally ill people of their rights.

Maine: Governor Janet Mills

Maine is the ninth U.S. jurisdiction to enact an aid-in-dying law. Governor Janet Mills signed the Maine Death with Dignity Act into law on June 12. The law went into effect on September 19, following a five-year campaign over three legislative sessions.

 “It is not up to the government to decide who may die and who may live, when they shall die or how long they shall live,” said Governor Mills. 

“While I do not agree […] that the right of the individual is so absolute, I do believe it is a right that should be protected in law, along with protections for those who are unable to articulate their informed choices and those who do not have access to quality end of life care.”

Just weeks ago, Governor Mills signed an amendment to the law allowing physicians to use clinical judgment to waive part of the waiting period, another step toward making the law more accessible and reducing barriers for terminally ill Maine residents.

New York’s Death with Dignity Advocates Await Their Medical Aid in Dying Law

Governor Hochul has the opportunity to lead with the same courage shown by Governors Brown, Murphy, and Mills. By signing the Medical Aid in Dying Act, she can ensure that New Yorkers facing terminal illness have access to the full range of end-of-life options, including the ability to die with peace, autonomy, and dignity.

We urge Governor Hochul to listen to the voices of terminally ill New Yorkers, to families who have watched loved ones suffer, and to the growing majority of New Yorkers who support this peaceful option. Join us in writing a heartfelt letter to Governor Hochul, to express what Death with Dignity means to you, with the hope that all terminally ill patients in New York have the right to end-of-life freedom.