DOVER, DE- House Bill 140, a controversial bill that would legalize medical aid in dying in Delaware, has passed the state Senate and is now headed to Governor Matt Meyer’s desk.
After months of emotional debate, HB 140, also known as the End of Life Options Act, was approved Thursday by a narrow 11-8 vote in the Senate, clearing its final legislative hurdle.
The legislation would allow mentally capable adults with six months or less to live the option of requesting life-ending medication.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall (D-District 14), a supporter and co-sponser of the bill, emphasized that it’s about offering patients autonomy and dignity in their final days.
“It’s not requiring anything. It gives a person a choice and control over their lives in the last days."
While the bill includes multiple safeguards—such as requiring two oral requests, one written request, and confirmation of mental and physical condition from medical professionals—not everyone is convinced the protections are strong enough.
Dr. Mike Vest, a critical care physician who opposes the bill, raised concerns about how it could impact vulnerable populations.
"I think the legislature—what they really kind of got wrong is balancing individual liberties with societal harm."
Sen. Eric Buckson (R-District 16), who voted against the bill, said his primary concern lies in how similar laws have evolved in other states.
“It’s not that we don’t want them to have their choice. It’s that in other jurisdictions we’ve seen where those safeguards have been modified or haven’t been fully or properly enforced.”
Two proposed amendments by Sen. Bryant Richardson (R- District 21), which aimed to add more protections to the bill, failed to pass.
Sen. Buckson says these amendments would have strengthened the bill’s safeguards and protected it from potential dangerous changes or expansions in the future.
“They didn’t stop the bill. They didn’t say no. They said if our intent is purely to enable someone who’s got a life-ending terminal illness to access this process, we can do that but let’s strengthen the guardrails."
A similar version of the bill passed during the 152nd General Assembly but was vetoed by then-Governor John Carney when it reached his desk.
With a new administration in Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer has expressed unwavering support for the bill, signaling a different outcome this time.
In a statement to WBOC, Governor Meyer’s office confirmed his intention to sign the legislation: “Governor Meyer will sign HB 140 once it is sent to his desk.”
If signed into law, it would take effect immediately, making Delaware the 11th state in the nation to legalize medical aid in dying.