Medical Aid in Dying

On April 12, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, P.L.2019, c.59 (to be codified as N.J. Stat. Ann. 26:16-1, et. seq.), (the “Act”) making New Jersey the eighth jurisdiction in the country (including the District of Columbia) to allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives in a humane and dignified manner. Effective Aug. 1, 2019, terminally ill adult residents of New Jersey may legally request and self-administer medication to end their lives.

In New Jersey, the Act aims to provide a defined and safeguarded process in assisting a capable, terminally ill patient with the request to end his or her life, while serving as a guide to healthcare professionals and patient advocates who support dying patients, protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, and ensuring that the process is entirely voluntary on the part of the patient and the healthcare professionals.

The following websites provide free tools, resources and information:

• Compassion & Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest and most active nonprofit working to improve care, expand options and empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journey. Compassion & Choices has been instrumental in the passage of medical aid-in-dying laws across the nation. These laws allow mentally capable, terminally ill adults the ability to receive medication from their doctor to die peacefully if they choose.
• Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act: Information for New Jersey Residents
• How to Talk to Your Doctor About Medical Aid in Dying in New Jersey
• Frequently Asked Questions: New Jersey’s Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act
• The American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying continues and extends the work of the National Clinicians Conference held at UC Berkeley in February 2020, informing and educating clinicians about medical aid in dying. You will find a Patient Information section on their website.
• State of New Jersey: Department of Health – Medical Aid in Dying Death with Dignity National Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote death with dignity laws based on their model legislation, the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, both to provide an option for dying individuals and to stimulate nationwide improvements in end-of-life care.
• Resources for New Jersey residents