The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-of-Life Options Act, permits mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request and self-administer life-ending medication. (Photo by MELISSA STEELE)

Delaware has become the latest state to legalize medical aid in dying, following the signing of House Bill 140 on Tuesday.

The new law, titled the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End-of-Life Options Act, permits mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to request and self-administer life-ending medication. Named for two late advocates, the measure follows years of public debate and legislative effort.

“Today I’m going to sign a bill that speaks to compassion, dignity, and respect for personal choice,” said Governor Matt Meyer before signing the bill into law.

“This signing today is about relieving suffering and giving families the comfort of knowing that their loved one was able to pass on their own terms, without unnecessary pain, and surrounded by the people they love most,” he said.

The legislation includes various safeguards, including confirmation of eligibility by two healthcare providers, mental health evaluations when needed, and multiple waiting periods. Patients must make a written request witnessed by two individuals, and providers must inform them of all other end-of-life care options, including palliative and hospice care.

“Thanks to this signing today, all Delawareans can now have merciful deaths and leave life-affirming legacies,” said longtime Wilmington advocate Judy Govatos, who has incurable lymphoma.

Participation by providers is voluntary, and healthcare institutions may prohibit the practice on their premises. The law protects patients and providers acting in good faith from legal liability and explicitly states that actions taken per the law do not constitute suicide, homicide, or euthanasia.

“There are no losers here with this bill. Delawareans with six months or less to live can choose to fight for their lives to their very last breath, and those of us who prefer a more peaceful death can request a prescription that will ease our last breath,” said Govatos.

Set to take effect January 1, 2026 — or earlier if regulations are finalized — the law tasks the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services with implementation, including rulemaking, data collection, and annual reporting on use and compliance.

The measure has been a central focus of Compassion & Choices and its affiliate, the Compassion & Choices Action Network, which supports legislation that expands end-of-life options nationwide. The organizations provide legal, medical, and advocacy resources for patients, families, and lawmakers seeking to establish or implement medical aid-in-dying laws. In Delaware, they have worked alongside patients, families, and local advocates for over a decade to support this bill.

“By signing the Delaware End-of-Life Options Act into law, Governor Meyer demonstrates profound compassion and leadership, recognizing the courageous decade-long advocacy of Ron Silverio, Heather Block, Tom LaFollette, Chuck Knothe, Diane Kraus, and countless other terminally ill advocates who fought tirelessly for their right to die peacefully on their own terms,” said Kevin Díaz, Interim President/CEO for Compassion & Choices and Compassion & Choices Action Network.

“Delaware voters and physicians overwhelmingly support this critical legislation, as does the rest of the nation,” said Diaz. “Compassion & Choices remains committed to expanding access and ensuring all terminally ill individuals have the compassionate end-of-life care options they deserve.”