Delaware becomes 11th state to legalize assisted suicide

Delaware’s Democratic Gov. Matt Meyer on Tuesday signed a bill legalizing assisted suicide into law. The so-called End-of-Life Options Act allows adults who are mentally capable and have six months or less to live to request and self-administer drugs to end their lives. The law is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, or even earlier if its regulatory conditions are met.

Meyer said the law, which he characterized as compassionate, would give terminally ill people dignity and options. He also insisted that it has strong safeguards. A nearly identical version of the bill passed last year after a decade of legislative wrangling, but then-governor John Carney, also a Democrat, vetoed it, according to reporting by local radio station WDEL.

What safeguards was Meyer referring to? The law requires either two doctors or two advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, to agree with the patient’s request, institutes two waiting periods, and says no one but the patient themselves can apply for the drugs. The law also offers conscience protections for doctors and APRNs who morally object to providing the treatment, as well as for healthcare institutions that don’t want the treatment provided on their premises.

How did pro-life organizations respond? National Right to Life said the law lacks compassion and doesn’t help vulnerable people. The Delaware Family Policy Council urged Christians to pray and focus on bringing the Gospel to suffering people. The Patients’ Rights Action Fund, which opposes assisted suicide, called the law dangerous and pledged to continue to advocate for vulnerable patients.

Which other states or U.S. jurisdictions allow assisted suicide?

• California

• Colorado

• Hawaii

• Maine

• Montana

• New Jersey

• New Mexico

• Oregon

• Vermont

• Washington

• The District of Columbia