Status of Medical aid in dying

Medical aid in dying is authorized in New Jersey. The Legislature is including a bill to improve the existing law. 

New Jersey’s Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act authorizes medical aid in dying in the Garden State, marking the culmination of seven years of on-the-ground organizing by Compassion & Choices and action by volunteer advocates. Governor Phil Murphy signed the law on April 12, 2019. The law became effective on August 1, 2019.

On December 15, 2022, Assembly members Herb Conaway, Mila Jasey and John Mckeon introduced Bill A4921, which waives the 15-day waiting period for medical aid in dying if the person is not likely to die during that time frame. The bill was referred to the Assembly Heath Committee. 

Authorizing the law is only the first step. Now we must ensure that patients can use it. Through our access campaign, Compassion & Choices continues to educate healthcare providers and residents of New Jersey about medical aid in dying and all end-of-life options. In addition, our lobbying team and volunteers have been working to build support for NJ A4921, including adding new bill sponsors and trying to secure coverage for medical aid in dying via state Medicaid funds.

Take Action

• Attend an Event in New Jersey: Participate in virtual activities related to medical aid in dying and advance care planning.
• Volunteer With Us: Join other passionate and dedicated individuals to work to re-enact legislation that improves care and expands end-of-life choice.
• Follow us on Facebook.

Polling

By more than a 2-to-one margin (63% to 29%) of New Jersey residents feel that allowing doctors to legally prescribe lethal drugs to help terminally ill patients end their own lives should be an end-of-life option in the state. See more polling data.

Tools and Resources

For Patients Access the New Jersey 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.