As legislative sessions begin across the country, new medical aid in dying bills are already moving into committee, amendments to Death with Dignity laws are being introduced, and an opposition bill is threatening a law signed just last month.
New Medical Aid in Dying Bills in Committee
- In Virginia, lawmakers introduced medical aid in dying bills HB886/SB359. If passed, Death with Dignity could become legal in the state of Virginia. HB886 was referred to the House Committee on Courts of Justice, while SB359 was referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health.
If you are a Virginia resident, write to the Senate Committee on Education and Health and let them know SB349 must receive a public hearing! If you are not a resident, share this pre-written letter to the committee with a Virginian who cares about end-of-life freedom! - In Kentucky, legislators introduced HB408, a bill that would legalize Death with Dignity for Kentuckians facing terminal illness. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Committees.
If you are a Kentucky resident, write to your legislator and let them know you support Death with Dignity! If you are not a resident, share this pre-written letter to the committee with a Kentuckian who wants medical aid in dying to pass in their state!
- In Arizona, lawmakers introduced the Thomas M. Dow Act (HB2569), a bill that would legalize Death with Dignity and allow terminally ill patients access to medical aid in dying in the state of Arizona. HB2569 was referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee.
Arizona residents: send a letter to the House Health and Human Services Committee, and let them know HB2569 must pass this session! If you are not a resident, share this pre-written letter to the committee with an Arizonan who is passionate about end-of-life options.
Amendments to Existing Aid in Dying Laws
In New Jersey, lawmakers introduced S710, an amendment to the state’s Death with Dignity law that would waive the 15-day waiting period when a physician determines, with reasonable medical certainty, that a patient is unlikely to survive that long. This update would increase access to medical aid in dying for patients with rapidly progressing illnesses. The bill was referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
New Jersey: Ensuring medical aid in dying is accessible to those who are imminently dying is essential. This amendment removes unnecessary barriers and strengthens the law. Tell the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee to pass it this session.
Death with Dignity Opposition Bill
In Illinois, Republican Representative Brad Halbrook introduced HB4381, a bill that would repeal the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, eliminating an existing Death with Dignity law that was signed by Governor Pritzker just last month.
This law received a full and thoughtful hearing during the 2025 legislative session. It was openly debated. Medical experts testified. Families and advocates courageously shared deeply personal stories. And after careful consideration, Governor Pritzker made a deliberate decision to sign it into law.
Now, a legislator opposed to the law based on personal religious beliefs has introduced HB4381 to repeal it.
Illinois, we need YOUR help to protect this hard-won progress. Write to your legislators and ask them to vote NO on HB4381. If you don’t live in Illinois, send this pre-written letter to an Illinois resident who believes in Death with Dignity!
Don’t see your state listed? Find out the status of your state and how you can advocate for passing medical aid in dying where you live.
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