In 2025, Delaware and New York are poised to reignite debates over medical aid-in-dying legislation, reflecting a nationwide shift toward end-of-life autonomy.

Delaware’s Renewed Effort

Reintroduced on December 19, 2024, HB140, the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-of-Life Options Act (HB 140), is scheduled to be heard by the House Health & Human Development Committee on January 29. After a decade of advocacy, the bill passed the General Assembly in June 2024, demonstrating broad support for compassionate end-of-life options. Unfortunately, it was vetoed by the outgoing Governor. However, we remain hopeful and committed to advancing this legislation in the 2025/2026 session. With an aggressive campaign plan, continued support from advocates and allied organizations and the public support of the new Governor, Matt Myer, we are determined to see this bill enacted into law.

Representative Eric Morrison, the bill’s primary sponsor said of the chances of the bill passing: “We feel very good about it,” he added. “We’ve done the work for years. Of course, the vast amount of that credit goes to Rep. Paul Baumbach, and we think that we will get it across the finish line this year through the House, through the Senate, and get it to the desk of a governor who will sign it.”

On January 29 the Delaware Committee on Health and Human Development heard live testimony on HB140. A public vote was held and HB140 passed. It now advances to a vote on the House floor.

New York’s Legislative Landscape

In New York, the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A136/S138) was reintroduced for the 2025 legislative session by Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. This year, advocates are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to publicly support the bill, highlighting the importance of bodily autonomy for those facing the end of their lives. Supporters are at the capitol each week urging newly-elected members to join their colleagues in co-sponsoring the bill, and asking legislative leaders to bring the bill forward for a vote before the session ends in June.

Partnering with the political magazine City & State, Team New York hosted a public program on January 28 at the state capitol complex: Freedom + Bodily Autonomy at Life’s End: A Discussion About Medical Aid in Dying, which featured guest speakers Rev. Charles McNeill, Dan Diaz, Dr. Jeremy Boal, and supporters Scott Barraco and Erin Markman. The legislation has significant momentum, with 60 statewide and grassroots groups publicly supporting the bill, and the most recent polling showing that 72% of New Yorkers support the measure.

The Road Ahead

The conversations in Delaware and New York mirror a broader national conversation about end-of-life choices, patient autonomy, and access to medical aid in dying. With increasing public support and ongoing legislative efforts, 2025 could be a pivotal year for the end-of-life options movement in these states.

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