DOVER, DE– Delaware's General Assembly narrowly passed a bill which looks to give those will terminal illnesses more end-of-life options.
State senators passed the End-Of-Life Options Act Thursday in an 11-8 vote, with two absent.
HB 140 looks to legalize medical aid in dying for terminally ill Delaware adults given six months or less to live.
The bill was passed by both chambers last legislative session before being vetoed by then-Governor John Carney (D).
The current version clarifies the consulted physicians must be licensed in Delaware and outlines several procedural safeguards.
Governor Matt Meyer (D) has expressed plans to sign the bill, speaking on the measure at a gubernatorial debate in October:
"I understand there are many people who would say 'I would never do that,'" Carney said, "I believe they should have a right not to do it, just as people should have a right to exercise their right to die."
HB 140 now heads to Gov. Meyer's desk.