Status of Medical aid in dying
Medical aid in dying bills are being considered in the state Legislature.
On Wednesday, May 3, we hosted a legislative briefing with remarks from our three bill sponsors. Nine media outlets and 62 attendees were present. Polling data showing Massachusetts voter support was shared at the event and in an information drop to all the legislative offices at the State House.
In January 2023, bills in both the House and Senate were filed that would authorize aid in dying (H.2246/S.1331). Read the bill summary here.
Legislative Work in 2023
Building on over a decade of work in Massachusetts by Compassion & Choices, Compassion & Choices Action Network and others, we enter this legislative session with the wind beneath our wings: For the first time ever, we have the public support of the governor on our side! In December of 2022, Governor Maura Healey publicly stated her support for medical aid in dying.
Massachusetts has a two-year legislative cycle, and we don’t anticipate hearings until later in the year. However, the 2023 Senate and House bills were both well-received. There were already 47 House sponsors and 13 Senate sponsors in the first month. Our lobbyists, staff on the ground and volunteers continue to generate support and momentum in the state, working alongside our partner organizations.
For Patients Access the Massachusetts Advance Directive
End-of-Life Planning Use our step-by-step guide to chart your journey.
Los recursos en Español Los recursos en Español.
COVID-19 Toolkit Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 and end of life care.
Resources for Providers Find resources tailored to the needs of healthcare providers.
Compassion & Choices is comprised of two organizations that improve care and expand options at life’s end: Compassion & Choices (501(c)(3)) educates, empowers, defends, and advocates; the Compassion & Choices Action Network (501(c)(4)) focuses exclusively on legislation, ballot campaigns, and limited electoral work.
Supported in part by Compassion & Choices Action Network.
