Donate

About the New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act

The New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on April 12, 2019. The law authorizes the practice of medical aid in dying, in which mentally capable adults, with six months or less to live, can request a doctor’s prescription for medication that they could decide to take in their final days or weeks to end unbearable suffering and die peacefully. The law became effective on August 1, 2019.

How do I Access a Prescription?

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for medical aid in dying under New Jersey’s law, an individual must be:

  • An adult
  • Terminally ill
  • Given a prognosis of six months or less to live, and
  • Mentally capable of making their own healthcare decisions

An individual must also be:

  • A resident of New Jersey
  • Acting voluntarily, and
  • Capable of self-administering the medication

In addition to these eligibility requirements, those wishing to qualify for a prescription for aid-in-dying medication must follow regulatory requirements, including having at least two doctor visits for medical evaluation and discussion about the request. Therefore, it can take as little as 15 days or as long as three months for a person requesting a prescription to receive it. It’s important that people wishing to use the law talk to their doctor early to make sure they are willing to write a prescription. The following C&C fact sheets contain more comprehensive information about the new law.

Where Can I Learn More?

For New Jersey Residents:

New Jersey Introduction to Medical Aid in Dying

New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act Information for State Residents Factsheet

New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act Frequently Asked Questions Factsheet

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Medical Aid in Dying in New Jersey

How to Interview a Hospice in New Jersey

About the Access Campaign

A Patient’s Guide to Personal Advocacy

State Forms

Coming soon!

For more information on the full range of end-of-life options visit the Compassion & Choices end-of-life planning page.

The New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on April 12, 2019. The law authorizes the practice of medical aid in dying, in which mentally capable adults, with six months or less to live, can request a doctor’s prescription for medication that they could decide to take in their final days or weeks to end unbearable suffering and die peacefully. The law became effective on August 1, 2019.

How do I Access a Prescription?

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for medical aid in dying under New Jersey’s law, an individual must be:

  • An adult
  • Terminally ill
  • Given a prognosis of six months or less to live, and
  • Mentally capable of making their own healthcare decisions

An individual must also be:

  • A resident of New Jersey
  • Acting voluntarily, and
  • Capable of self-administering the medication

In addition to these eligibility requirements, those wishing to qualify for a prescription for aid-in-dying medication must follow regulatory requirements, including having at least two doctor visits for medical evaluation and discussion about the request. Therefore, it can take as little as 15 days or as long as three months for a person requesting a prescription to receive it. It’s important that people wishing to use the law talk to their doctor early to make sure they are willing to write a prescription. The following C&C fact sheets contain more comprehensive information about the new law.

Where Can I Learn More?

For New Jersey Residents:

New Jersey Introduction to Medical Aid in Dying

New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act Information for State Residents Factsheet

New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act Frequently Asked Questions Factsheet

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Medical Aid in Dying in New Jersey

How to Interview a Hospice in New Jersey

About the Access Campaign

A Patient’s Guide to Personal Advocacy

State Forms

Coming soon!

For more information on the full range of end-of-life options visit the Compassion & Choices end-of-life planning page.

Donate to Compassion & Choices

Compassion & Choices
8156 S Wadsworth Blvd #E-162
Littleton, CO 80128

Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750

candid seal platinum 2024
great nonprofits 2024 top rated badge
© 2024 Compassion & Choices

Donor Privacy Policy — Contact
Texting Privacy Policy
Media Contacts
It's Not Assisted Suicide