Which US States Have Death with Dignity Laws?

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State-by-State Guide to Medical Aid in Dying Laws and Requirements

Death with Dignity, also called Medical Aid in Dying, is an end-of-life option defined by state law that allows eligible adults to request and receive prescribed medications from a physician to peacefully and intentionally end life when facing a terminal condition. Laws, eligibility criteria, and procedures vary by state. This guide summarizes current statutes, court decisions, and typical requirements so you can quickly compare rules across jurisdictions.

As of October 2024, the following states and the District of Columbia have laws or legal precedent allowing medical aid in dying. Laws change over time, so always verify details with official state resources or a qualified professional before making decisions.

California

Law: End of Life Option Act
Effective since: 2016
Key requirements:
- Adult (18 years or older)
- Diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less
- Capable of making informed medical decisions
- Two oral requests separated by at least 15 days and one signed written request
More info: California End of Life Option Act

Colorado

Law: End-of-Life Options Act
Effective since: 2016
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with a six-month prognosis or less
- Mental capacity to make medical decisions
- Two oral requests (at least 15 days apart) and one written request
More info: Colorado End-of-Life Options Act

Hawaii

Law: Our Care, Our Choice Act
Effective since: 2019
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less
- Decision-making capacity
- Two oral requests separated by 20 days and one written request
More info: Hawaii Our Care, Our Choice Act

Maine

Law: Death with Dignity Act
Effective since: 2019
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal diagnosis with six months or less to live
- Capacity to make and communicate health care decisions
- Two oral requests (15 days apart) and a written request
More info: Maine Death with Dignity Act (document)
Provider resource: Checklist for Health Care Providers

Montana

Law: Baxter v. Montana (court decision)
Effective since: 2009
Key requirements:
- Terminal illness (physician-assisted death addressed by court ruling)
- Capacity to make medical decisions
- Physician must act in accordance with accepted standard of care
More info: Baxter v. Montana decision

New Jersey

Law: Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act
Effective since: 2019
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to result in death within six months
- Mental capacity to make informed health care choices
- Two oral requests (at least 15 days apart) and one written request
More info: New Jersey Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act

New Mexico

Law: Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act
Effective since: 2021
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with prognosis of six months or less
- Capacity to make medical decisions
- One oral request and one written request with a minimum 48-hour waiting period
More info: New Mexico End-of-Life Options Act

Oregon

Law: Death with Dignity Act
Effective since: 1997
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with prognosis of six months or less
- Decision-making capacity
- Two oral requests (at least 15 days apart) and a written request
More info: Oregon Death with Dignity Act

Vermont

Law: Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act
Effective since: 2013
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less
- Mental capacity to make health care decisions
- Two oral requests (minimum 15 days apart) and one written request
More info: Vermont Patient Choice and Control at End of Life

Washington

Law: Death with Dignity Act
Effective since: 2009
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with prognosis of six months or less
- Capacity to make medical decisions
- Two oral requests (15 days apart) and a written request
More info: Washington Death with Dignity Act

Washington, D.C.

Law: Death with Dignity Act
Effective since: 2017
Key requirements:
- Adult (18+)
- Terminal illness with a six-month prognosis or less
- Mental capacity to make informed decisions
- Two oral requests (at least 15 days apart) and a written request
More info: D.C. Death with Dignity Act

Note: This summary is intended to give an overview of state laws and typical eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying. Specific procedural steps, required forms, witness or prescriber rules, waiting periods, reporting obligations, and safeguards vary. For personal guidance, legal questions, or case-specific information, consult official state health department pages, statutes, or a qualified legal and medical professional.