Delaware Legalizes Assisted Suicide, Becomes 12th Jurisdiction

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed the End-of-Life Options Act, legalizing physician-assisted suicide for mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live, making Delaware the 11th state to pass such a law. The legislation, enacted after nearly a decade of debate, requires approval from two medical professionals, multiple requests from the patient, and ensures that patients are offered alternative palliative options. The law was celebrated as a compassionate measure respecting personal choice and dignity, though it remains controversial and was previously vetoed by former Governor John Carney on moral grounds. Supporters argue the law provides relief from suffering and gives families comfort, while opponents raise ethical and religious concerns about potential coercion. The passage reflects a wider trend in the U.S. and abroad toward recognizing assisted suicide as a matter of individual autonomy. The bill includes several safeguards, such as waiting periods and requirements for second medical opinions, to prevent abuse and ensure informed consent.