After a decade of effort and two failed attempts, Delaware has passed a bill legalizing medical aid in dying. The legislation allows terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to self-administer medication to end their lives. The bill also includes safeguards such as requiring two verbal and one written request from the patient, with no involvement of a guardian or surrogate healthcare decision maker. Amendments proposed by Republican State Sen. Bryant Richardson, including a requirement for psychiatric evaluation and mandatory reporting of compliance, failed to gain support.
Despite concerns raised by some senators about the potential risks and implications of the bill, it ultimately passed in the Senate with an 11-8 vote. The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Matt Meyer, who has expressed support for the legislation. If signed into law, Delaware would become the 12th jurisdiction in the United States to legalize end-of-life options. This marks a significant milestone for advocates of medical aid in dying, who have worked tirelessly for the passage of the legislation. The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Sen. Bryan Townsend, believes that the bill’s safeguards are sufficient to protect against potential abuse and ensure that the option is available to those who need it most.
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