Dear Advocates,

I hope your 2025 has been treating you well so far! For those of us watching the legislative sessions, we are in full swing monitoring the never-ending attempts by proponents to push dangerous and discriminatory assisted suicide laws through the legislature. There are three states I immediately want to draw your attention to, and at the bottom of this message will be the full list of states with active legislation.

Delaware

You may recall that the Delaware legislature narrowly passed assisted suicide legislation last year before it was vetoed by Governor Carney. Unsurprisingly, proponents are once again pushing and the first committee hearing will be in the House Health and Human Development Committee next Wednesday, January 29th at 11:30am. If you live in Delaware, please join us. Testimony is allowed in-person, via Zoom, or in writing. You can also use this form to immediately contact your legislators and let them know you oppose assisted suicide. 

Montana

Assisted suicide has been practiced in Montana since 2009, despite remaining against the law. The legal loophole that allows for patient consent to serve as a defense has impacted untold numbers of vulnerable Montanans. Next Thursday, January 30th at 8am, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider SB 136 to clarify that patient consent cannot be used as a defense, thereby closing this dangerous loophole. If you live in Montana, you can testify in-person, via Zoom, or in writing. You can also use this form to immediately contact your legislators and let them know you oppose assisted suicide. 

New Hampshire 

Next Wednesday, January 29th at 1pm the assisted suicide bill is being heard before the House Judiciary Commitee. Last year, the assisted suicide bill narrowly passed the 400 member New Hampshire House. If you live in New Hampshire, please come testify in-person or submit written testimony. You can also use this form to immediately contact your legislators and let them know you oppose assisted suicide.

State Status Update
Bills to legalize assisted suicide: 

1. Delaware: HB 140
   1. Hearing on January 29th at 11:30am in the House Health and Human Development Committee
2. New York: A.136/S.138
3. New Hampshire: HB 254
   1. Hearing on January 29th at 1pm in the House Judiciary Committee
4. Illinois: SB 9/HB1238
5. Massachusetts: SD.1665/HD.2540
6. Missouri: HB 453
7. Indiana : HB 1011
8. Arizona: HB 2243

Bills to expand assisted suicide

1. Vermont: H.75 - expanding current law by allowing "clinicians" and not just physicians to prescribe lethal drugs. This would include nurse practitioners and physician's assistants.

There has also been a proposed bill submitted in Connecticut, but no language attached to it yet. 

And of course, a bill we support to remove consent as a defense to physician assisted suicide: 

1. Montana: SB 210
   1. Hearing on January 30th at 8am in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

We do expect more bills to be introduced as the year continues, but with your continued advocacy, I know we can continue to have success across the country! 

Thank you for your advocacy!

Jessica Rodgers

Coalitions Director

Patients' Rights Action Fund