What MAiD Is
Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) in the U.S. is a legal medical practice that allows a mentally capable adult with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of six months or less to request a prescription for medication they may choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death.
MAiD is legal in 13 states plus the District of Columbia. In 2025, Delaware and Illinois joined this list. New York legalized it in 2026.
The first MAiD law was adopted in Oregon in 1997. Vermont legalized MAiD in 2013 and Maine in 2019.
For patients, MAiD is an option within person-directed care, for it allows them to live according to their own values and priorities as death approaches.
The evidence shows that medical aid in dying affords terminally ill people a measure of control and compassion, improves end-of-life care even for those who don’t choose the option.
States establish and oversee MAiD through the legislative process. Legislation is required to make MAiD an option in New Hampshire. Learn more about our legislative efforts here.
Also take look at Common MAiD Questions Answered.
Safeguards
U.S. MAiD laws are the strictest in the world. Every U.S. MAiD law follows a basic model with multiple safeguards designed to protect patients and ensure voluntary decision-making.
In every state law, these safeguards include:
- Confirmation of a terminal diagnosis and prognosis by two qualified clinicians
- Determination of mental capacity
- Written requests witnessed in accordance with statutory requirements
- Disclosure of all other available treatment options by both clinicians
- The ability to withdraw the request at any time
- A requirement that the patient self-administer the medications
- Criminal penalties for coercion or undue influence
Nearly 30 years of data from states where MAiD is legal indicate that these safeguards function as intended and that use of the law remains rare and carefully regulated. To learn more, please see our MAiD Process & Safeguards.
What MAiD Is Not
MAiD is not euthanasia. In euthanasia, a physician directly administers medication to end a patient’s life. This is illegal in all 50 states.
In the U.S., only the patient can make the decision to request MAiD, and the patient must self-administer the drug. No one else – not a spouse, child, guardian, medical proxy, attorney, etc. – can make these decisions for them.
MAiD is not suicide. It requires formal written requests, medical evaluations by two clinicians, and compliance with strict statutory safeguards. It is available only to mentally capable adults who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and are expected to live six months or less.
MAiD Within End-of-Life-Care
Medical aid in dying is one carefully regulated option within a broader continuum of end-of-life care. Hospice, palliative medicine, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support remain essential.
In our health care system, access to high-quality care and social support is uneven, and disparities affecting marginalized and underserved communities must be addressed. Expanding patient-directed options should complement — not replace — continued efforts to strengthen equitable, compassionate, culturally competent care for all.
Why MAiD Now?
Public support for MAiD in New Hampshire is strong. Recent polling indicates that approximately seven in 10 Granite Staters support legislation allowing this option.
New Hampshire residents with terminal diagnoses currently do not have access to the same options available in neighboring Maine and Vermont. Since Vermont removed its residency requirement, some New Hampshire residents have sought MAiD there. However, accessing care across state lines can be complex and burdensome for individuals already facing serious illness.
We believe New Hampshire residents facing terminal illness should have access to the same carefully regulated option available in neighboring states.
Learn More
End-of-life decisions are deeply personal and deserve thoughtful consideration. Medical Aid in Dying is a carefully regulated option grounded in clear eligibility criteria and defined safeguards.
For those who wish to learn more about how MAiD works, who qualifies, and how safeguards operate, please review our MAiD Process & Safeguards and Fact Sheet.