Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer signs medical aid in dying into law after decade’s worth of effort Momentum grows as Delaware becomes the 11th U.S. State to permit MAID.
After over a decade’s worth of effort and contentious battles within the state legislature, Gov. Matt Meyer signed legislation to legalize medical aid in dying.
Former Rep. Paul Baumbach (D-Newark) first introduced the legislation in 2015 and persistently led the effort until passage in 2024, only to have it vetoed by then governor Carney. Carney, a devout Catholic, said then that he was “morally opposed” to the legislation.
Since then, support among Delawareans has grown, as a statewide study found that 72% back having the right to medical aid in dying.
“The issue of autonomy of dying Delawareans is so much bigger than one person, whether it be the initial legislator, two incredible advocates and certainly much bigger than an extremely disappointing governor. But Delaware is blessed now with legislative leaders such as Rep. Morrison and Sen. Townsend and with Gov. Matt Meyer, who listens to our state’s residents and who feels their pain in his heart,” Baumbach said.
At the signing of the bill, Gov. Meyer said, “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 the most…,For many of you — many more than me — this has been a long journey. For nearly a decade this idea has been debated and delayed, but always defended by those of you who believed deeply that it was the right thing to do, and it’s because of you that we’re here today and because of that courage I will be signing that bill.”
“We’re acknowledging today that even in the last moments of life, compassion matters. Every Delawarean should have the right to face their final chapter with peace, dignity, and control,” Meyer said in an emotional speech Tuesday morning.
The new law will officially go into effect at the latest Jan. 1, 2026, and sooner if the regulations can be created earlier.