Delaware Legalizes Physician-Assisted Suicide, Drawing Praise and Criticism as It Becomes 11th State to Enact Law

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed the End-of-Life Options Act into law Tuesday, making the state the 11th in the U.S. to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. Supporters call the measure a compassionate step toward honoring personal choice, while critics warn it opens the door to abuse and undermines the sanctity of life.

“This law is about compassion, dignity, and respect,” said Meyer, a Democrat, during the bill signing. “It gives people facing unimaginable suffering the ability to choose peace and comfort, surrounded by those they love.”

The new law, set to take effect next year, allows mentally capable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to request a prescription for life-ending medication. Patients must undergo two waiting periods and obtain a second medical opinion before receiving the prescription. Physicians are also required to inform them of all end-of-life options, including palliative and hospice care.

State Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, a Democrat, called the legislation “a recognition of autonomy and humanity” and credited its passage to advocates who shared deeply personal stories of loss and suffering.

However, the measure has drawn strong opposition from religious leaders, disability rights groups, and some medical professionals. Critics argue that legalizing assisted suicide devalues human life and may pressure vulnerable patients to end their lives prematurely.

“Legalizing physician-assisted suicide sends a dangerous message–that some lives are no longer worth living,” said Jennifer Popik, director of federal affairs for National Right to Life. “It creates the potential for coercion, especially among the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged.”

Others raised concerns about a potential slippery slope, pointing to countries like Canada and the Netherlands, where eligibility for euthanasia has expanded over time.

The Delaware Catholic Conference also voiced its opposition, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the governor’s decision. True compassion means accompanying someone in their suffering–not facilitating their death.”

Despite years of heated debate and previous failed attempts, HB 140 passed narrowly in the legislature last month. Gov. Meyer, who pushed for the bill’s passage, said the law brings Delaware in line with other states that have embraced “death with dignity” laws.

Delaware now joins California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C., in allowing some form of medical aid in dying.

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