DELWARE- The Delaware House has passed a bill allowing terminally ill adults to request medication to end their lives.
House Bill 140, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison and Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, would let mentally capable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less get medication they can take themselves to end their suffering.
The bill includes safeguards. Two medical providers must confirm the diagnosis, prognosis, and that the patient is making an informed choice.
Patients must submit a written request witnessed by two people, one of whom cannot be a family member or heir. They can change their mind at any time.
If there are concerns about decision-making ability, a mental health evaluation is required.
A similar bill passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by Gov. John Carney.
When Gov. Carney vetoed the measure in September, he cited the American Medical Association's stance that medical aid in dying is "fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer." He also expressed his belief that a consensus on the issue had not been reached, noting the bill had passed by just one vote.
House Speaker Valerie Longhurst did not call for a special session to override the veto but expressed hope, saying, "I am optimistic that the 153rd General Assembly will be able to see this policy become law in 2025."
It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will reach a broader consensus on the issue this session, and whether Gov. Matt Meyer would sign the bill into law should it reach his desk.
The bill now moves to the Senate.