This week brought a mix of starts and stops in the Midwest and on the East Coast. With the session still in its early stages, new bills remain in play, and we’re continuing to track every development closely.

New Medical Aid in Dying Bills in Committee

  • Minnesota’s session started on February 17, and the End of Life Option Act (HF2998/SF3215), legislation that would legalize Death with Dignity, is carrying over into the new session. Last year, the bills made meaningful progress, and they were referred to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committees. Because HF2998/SF3215 were already in committees last session, it doesn’t need to be reintroduced; it picks up where it left off.

    If you are a Minnesota resident, send a letter to your legislators today to ensure Minnesota’s End of Life Option Act sees the finish line this session! If you live outside of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, share this pre-written letter with your Minnesota community so they can tell their legislator to support medical aid in dying in 2 minutes or less!
  • Rhode Island’s Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act (S2051/H7760), a bill that would legalize Death with Dignity, was introduced and referred to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. These bills have been introduced several years in a row, and we’re hopeful for positive legislative momentum this session.

If you’re a Rhode Island resident, you have two powerful opportunities to make your voice heard.

First, write to the House Judiciary Committee and urge them to pass H7760. Then, contact the Senate Judiciary Committee and ask them to pass S2051. These companion bills contain the same legislation, and lawmakers on both committees must hear loud and clear: Rhode Islanders want medical aid in dying now.

If you don’t live in Rhode Island, you can still help. Share the pre-written letters with a Rhode Islander who believes in this compassionate end-of-life option and encourage them to speak up today.

Hearing Results for Aid in Dying Bills

  • In Virginia, HB886/SB359 will not advance this session. SB359 received a public hearing in the Senate Education and Health – Health Subcommittee and advanced on a 3–2 vote. The bill then received a hearing in the full Senate Education and Health Committee but failed to report out on a 7–8 vote.

HB886 also received a hearing in the House Committee on Courts of Justice, and the bill was tabled until 2027.

While we had high hopes for Virginia’s bills this session, we know better than to give up now. Together, we sent over 5,200 letters to legislators and committee members, and 47 written testimonies. This means you know how to rally with us, and we’ll continue to organize and raise awareness as conversations for Death with Dignity continue in Virginia. 

Make sure you join the movement to get the latest updates on how you can take action to help pass and protect Death with Dignity legislation.

Don’t see your state listed? Find out the status of your state and how you can advocate for medical aid in dying where you live.

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 Facebook, Instagram, X, and Bluesky, and sign up for our email alerts here.