Across the U.S.

New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act builds on the lessons learned in the 11 states, as well as Washington, DC, where this option is currently legal. How did those other bills become law?

Every Democratic Governor, but one, who has had legislation before them has signed it into law. 

1. • The exception: Former Delaware Governor John Carney, who vetoed the state’s bill in September 2024—just after he won a race to be the next mayor of Wilmington, DE. The day after Carney’s veto, Matt Meyer launched his successful gubernatorial campaign and made medical aid in dying a key focus. When the state Legislature passed the bill again in 2025, Governor Meyer signed it into law just 8 months after the original veto—making Delaware the 11th state and 12th jurisdiction to authorize medical aid in dying.

No Democratic Governor who has championed or signed a medical aid in dying bill has ever suffered at the polls. 

2. • New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham was reelected in 2022 after signing legislation in 2021. 

   • Maine Governor Janet Mills was reelected in 2022 after signing legislation in 2019. 

   • New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was reelected in 2021 after signing legislation in 2019. 

   • Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin was reelected in 2014 after signing legislation in 2013.

   • Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber was reelected in 1998 after the state’s landmark Death with Dignity Act took effect in 1997.

   • In 2022, voters elected or re-elected at least 12 governors who publicly support medical aid in dying. [Source: C&C 2021-2022 Elections & Medical Aid in Dying Report)

Two Democratic governors who are Catholic have signed medical aid in dying legislation, expressing support for bodily autonomy and a compassionate option to end suffering. 

3. • “In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death. I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn’t deny that right to others.” – Governor Jerry Brown of California, 10.5.15 (signing statement)

   • “Allowing residents with terminal illnesses to make end-of-life choices for themselves is the right thing to do. By signing this bill today, we are providing terminally ill patients and their families with the humanity, dignity, and respect that they so richly deserve at the most difficult times any of us will face.” – Governor Phil Murphy, 4.12.19 (signing statement)

Governors who don't currently have medical aid in dying bills before them — from both parties — have expressed support and a willingness to sign, should they have the opportunity. 

4. • Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut said he supports aid-in-dying legislation.

   • In 2022, Maryland Governor Wes Moore said: “… the time that I have spent with families, the things that I’ve seen in my own family, when you are watching someone suffer, when you are watching someone go through a pain that is not just unimaginable, it’s not just painful for them, it is painful for everybody who has to witness it and be in the presence … we as a state have to make sure that we are protecting that ability for people to be able to make those clear mind, clear-hearted, independent decisions about the suffering that they are enduring and the suffering that their family members who are also watching them to go through, as well.”

   • When Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed a law removing residency requirements to access medical aid in dying in 2023, Vermont Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman said the change will help normalize this type of end-of-life health care: "We are trying to make Vermont health care accessible to as many people as possible. I appreciate the governor signing the bill."

   • In 2024, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said: “It’s really a very personal issue. It doesn’t have a political divide on it… It’s so personal to folks that I’d probably spend the time to reach out where people are.”

   • In 2018, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in a candidate questionnaire: “I am in favor of putting this very personal decision in the hands of patients to make in consultation with their doctors.” 

   • In 2024, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer indicated in a candidate questionnaire that she supported legalizing “physician-assisted suicide” (the pejorative term for medical aid in dying).”

This issue often feels abstract until it isn't. Some Governors have seen this issue play out in their own lives. 

5. • Vermont governor discloses his father used state’s end-of-life law (1.5.17)

   • The Diary of a CEO Podcast: California Governor Gavin Newsom was at his mother’s side when she made use of medical aid in dying. He said of the experience: “I'm just sitting there and holding her hand [for] her last breath… and not realizing that moment, what it represented, what it ultimately meant… [I’m] proud we changed the law in California.”