Share your story
Live in this state?
Personal stories help people understand the importance of Death with Dignity legislation, and how it's being enacted.
New Jersey
CURRENT STATUS: Legal, Amendment Pending, Under Threat
Protect end-of-life freedom in New Jersey!
New Jersey’s Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act ensures that terminally ill patients have the right to a peaceful death on their own terms — but we must stay vigilant to protect this hard-won right.
In January, the New Jersey legislature introduced S710, an amendment to the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. The amendment would waive the 15-day waiting period for patients who are not expected to survive the 15 days.
Four Ways You Can Take Action
- Tell your lawmakers to support S710!
- Share your story. If you are living with a terminal illness, lost someone you love, or believe deeply in personal autonomy and dignity at the end of life, your voice matters.
- Learn how you can advocate for Death with Dignity in New Jersey.
- Learn about the law and stay informed on legislative updates.
Share
Join the movement! Sign the petition to support Death with Dignity.
New Jersey
About
The New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act passed in 2019.
Timeline of Death with Dignity in New Jersey
2026
2026
Amendment Introduced
Current status: The New Jersey legislature introduces S710, an amendment to the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. The amendment would waive the 15-day waiting period for patients who are not expected to survive the 15 days.
The bill is referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
What happens next? We’re waiting for a public hearing to be scheduled for S710.
2025
2025
Bills Do Not Advance
A1880/S3588 — a bill that would waive the 15-day waiting period for medical aid in dying under certain circumstances — has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Health Committee and the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
Meanwhile, A406/A407 poses a direct threat to Death with Dignity in New Jersey. These bills would not only increase penalties for fraud or coercion but also completely repeal the New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. Both measures are currently under consideration in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
The session ends, and the bills do not advance.
2024
2024
Session Ends and Bills Carryover to 2025
In January, the New Jersey legislature introduced A1880 an amendment that would waive the 15 day waiting period for medical aid in dying under certain circumstances.
Republican Assemblymember Robert Auth introduces A407, an amendment that would repeal the New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. Auth also introduces A406, a bill designed to further intimidate physicians or patients from seeking the law by increasing penalties for fraud or coercion. Both bills are sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
In September, New Jersey legislators introduced S3588, an amendment to The New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. This amendment waives the 15-day waiting period for medical aid in dying under certain circumstances. This is a companion bill to A1880. The bill is referred to the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. The session ends and S3588, A407, and A1880 carry over to 2025.
2023
2023
No Bill Movement, Bill Does not Pass
A4921 does not move out of the Assembly Health Committee. The session ends and the bill does not advance.
2022
2022
Session Ends, Bill Carries Over to 2023 Session
On December 22, 2022, New Jersey lawmakers introduce A4921 and it is referred to the Assembly Health Committee. This bill waives the 15 day waiting period for the New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act.
2019
2019
New Jersey Passes the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act
New Jersey’s Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act was signed into law April 12, 2019 and took effect on August 1, 2019. New Jersey is the 8th jurisdiction to enact a Death with Dignity statute.
