UPDATED – 05/20/25 – Governor Matt Meyer has signed House Bill 140 into law. This is the Medical Aid in Dying bill. Gov. Meyer says this landmark legislation gives mentally capable, terminally ill Delawareans with a prognosis of six months or less the legal option to request and self-administer medication to peacefully end their suffering. The bill includes extensive safeguards, requiring the approval of the patient’s attending physician or attending advanced practice registered nurse, and a consulting physician or APRN to agree on prognosis and the individual’s decision-making capacity. The patient must also submit multiple requests, including one in writing.
Additional information from the Governor’s office:
“Today, Delaware joins a growing number of states in recognizing that end-of-life decisions belong to patients—not politicians,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This law is about compassion, dignity, and respect. It gives people facing unimaginable suffering the ability to choose peace and comfort, surrounded by those they love. After years of debate, I am proud to sign HB140 into law.”
“This moment has been a decade in the making, and we would not be here today without the relentless dedication of former Representative Baumbach and the advocates who stood with him year after year,” said Rep. Eric Morrison, sponsor of HB 140. “There were several outspoken individuals who fought for this legislation because they were living with a terminal condition and wanted to have the choice to end their suffering on their own terms. Unfortunately, they succumbed to their illnesses before they saw this bill become law. I’m grateful to Governor Meyer for signing HB 140 in a timely manner and recognizing that Delawareans deserve to have this option.”
“House Bill 140 is about honoring the autonomy and humanity of those facing unimaginable suffering from terminal illness,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend. “This legislation exists due to the courage of patients, family members, and advocates who have shared deeply personal stories of love, loss, and suffering. I want to express my gratitude to those who have bravely come forward, and to Governor Meyer for signing this critical legislation that respects the bodily autonomy of our fellow Delawareans.”
HB 140 passed after nearly a decade of debate, advocacy, and testimony from families and medical professionals across the state. It reflects growing public support for end-of-life autonomy; a 2020 survey showed that 72% of Delaware voters support medical aid-in-dying legislation.
“With Governor Meyer’s signature today, Delaware affirms a profound commitment to patient autonomy,” said Kevin Diaz, Interim President and CEO of Compassion and Choices. “By authorizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill individuals, the First State opens the door to more compassionate, patient-directed care, and to a future where dignity at the end of life is not just a hope, but a legal right.”
The legislation is named in honor of Ron Silverio and Heather Block, two Delawareans who fought courageously for medical aid in dying before passing from terminal illnesses. Their legacy now lives on in a law that will bring comfort and choice to others facing similar journeys.
States such as Oregon, California, and New Jersey have enacted similar laws and have seen positive outcomes, including careful use, low rates of participation, and no evidence of abuse. Delaware’s law mirrors best practices from these jurisdictions.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 05/19/25 – On Tuesday, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer will sign House Bill 140 – the Medical Aid in Dying Bill. This measure will allow adult Delaware residents who are terminally ill to request and self-administer medication to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner.
The Governor will sign the measure at 10am in his office at Legislative Hall in Dover.
