Medical-Aid-in-Dying Bill (Assisted Suicide & Euthanasia) in Limbo

By Melissa Steele, July 26, 2024.

The Cape Gazette  

The fate of medical-aid-in-dying bill that cleared the General Assembly in June is uncertain as it has yet to be delivered to Gov. John Carney to sign.

Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, said July 15, the bill still resides in the House.

“Thus far, the governor has not led me to believe that he will sign the bill when it makes it to his desk,” Baumbach said.

Baumbach did not say when he plans to deliver the bill to the governor, or whether he has heard if Carney will veto it.

Alex Schadenberg: Contact Delaware Governor John Carney to Veto Assisted Suicide Bill HB 140

Alex Schadenberg:

"Everyone needs to contact Governor John Carney [pictured left] and urge him to veto assisted suicide Bill HB 140. Call Governor Carney at: 302-744-4101 or email him at: john.carney@delaware.gov"

A news story by Sarah Mueller for whyy news stated:

Democratic Rep. Paul Baumbach, the prime sponsor, said the bill has not yet been sent to the governor. A spokesperson for the governor said lawyers were reviewing the legislation. Requests to clarify their answers received no response.

What Happened to HB 140?

Original publication 07/03/24, by Alex Schadenberg.

Everyone needs to contact Governor John Carney [pictured here] and urge him to veto assisted suicide Bill HB 140. Email him at john.carney@delaware.gov

A news story by Sarah Mueller for whyy news stated:

Democratic Rep. Paul Baumbach, the prime sponsor, said the bill has not yet been sent to the governor. A spokesperson for the governor said lawyers were reviewing the legislation. Requests to clarify their answers received no response.

Delaware: Legislation Legalizing Assisted Suicide & Euthanasia Awaits Governor’s Action

By Sarah Mueller (pictured right).  

Updated July 5, 2024 12:14 pm  

Delaware Governor John Carney could soon decide whether to sign legislation legalizing medical-assisted dying.

Sometimes known as “physician-” or “medically assisted suicide,” the legislation would allow terminally ill people with less than six months to live to request and ingest medication to end their lives.

The House passed the bill 21-14, with four Democrats absent in April. The vote in the Senate originally failed 9-9, but passed days later 11-10.

This is the first time Carney, who is in his final year in office, will have to decide on this issue. He can sign the bill, veto it or allow it to take effect without signing it. Carney has 10 days to act on a bill after it is sent to him.

Press Release: Bill Seeking to Legalize Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Remains Undecided by Governor Carney (pictured below)

July 2, 2024 -- According to the American Medical Association, assisted suicide occurs when a doctor facilitates a person's death by providing the means or information to enable another person to perform a life-ending act. Euthanasia is the administration of a lethal agent to kill another person.

Persons assisting a suicide or euthanasia can have an agenda. Reported motives have included: financial gain; the “thrill” of getting other people to kill themselves; and wanting to see another person die.

The proposed Deleware Act (HB 140) has an application process to obtain a lethal dose of medication. Once the lethal dose is issued by the pharmacy, there is no required oversight. No witness, not even a doctor or other medical person is required to be present at the patient's death.