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Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has signed House Bill 140 into law, legalizing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adult residents. The signing took place on May 20, marking a significant legislative change in the state.
"Today, Delaware joins a growing number of states in recognizing that end-of-life decisions belong to patients — not politicians," stated 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."
The bill was narrowly passed by the Senate on April 17 with 11 Democrats voting in favor and eight bipartisan members opposing it. Two senators were absent during the vote.
Jessica Rodgers from the Patients’ Rights Action Fund expressed opposition to the bill's passage: “This session, sponsors have once again pushed assisted suicide and have once again passed this bill.” She highlighted that several medical and disability rights organizations opposed the measure.
Senate Democrats Spiros Mantzavinos, Nicole Poore, and Jack Walsh joined five Republicans in voting against physician-assisted suicide. No Republican senators supported the legislation.
The Delaware Catholic Advocacy Network criticized H.B. 140 for having "serious flaws" that could potentially harm vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled. Concerns include risks of elder abuse, insurance fraud, and an increased overall suicide rate.
Bishop William E. Koenig of Wilmington urged opposition to physician-assisted suicide earlier this year: “There is a great distinction between, on the one hand, death that comes naturally and, on the other hand, performing actions to bring on death.”
Despite receiving over 11,000 postcards opposing the legislation from constituents earlier this year, Meyer's approval means Delaware will join ten other states and Washington D.C., where physician-assisted suicide is legal starting January 1, 2026.
According to Death With Dignity—a group supporting physician-assisted suicide—up to 17 other states are considering similar bills in 2025.
