New Jersey’s Push Intensifies for the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act

May 18, 2018 Corinne Carey Phil Murphy

Compassion & Choices New Jersey and our dedicated team of volunteers are on the ground working hard to ensure that the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act passes in 2018. The bill was introduced in January 2018, and just a month later dozens of supporters presented over 500 petitions in support of the bill to Governor Phil Murphy. Since 2012, an aid-in-dying bill has passed through multiple committees and the New Jersey General Assembly.

In March, the Assembly Judiciary Committee heard testimony from doctors, bioethicists, family members and terminally ill New Yorkers for several hours before they voted 5 to 2 to pass the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. Dozens of supporters provided emotional testimony asking their legislators to support the bill. Corinne Carey, New Jersey campaign director for Compassion & Choices said, “We commend the Committee for putting us on the path to passing a law to provide all terminally ill, mentally competent New Jerseyans who seek it with this important end-of-life care option.”

Following the vote, the Times of Trenton editorial board said, “with a new Legislature and a new governor, the Aid in Dying Act could move closer to reality, closer to ensuring dignity and control at a time when people need them most.” This was just one of a slew of editorial endorsements across the state, adding to the groundswell of support building in the Garden State. Most recent polling finds 63% of New Jerseyans favor this peaceful end-of-life option.

The next step is the full Assembly vote, which may take place as early as Thursday, June 7, 2018. Compassion & Choices urges New Jersey residents to contact their legislators and ask them to support the terminally ill New Jerseyans who so desperately need this option. To send a letter to your assemblymember, please use our online tool. Sign up to be the first to know when the Assembly schedules the vote.