Bill to extend state’s ‘death with dignity’ law passes, moves on to governor

California’s medical-aid-in-dying law, set to expire in 2031, may be extended if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill from state Sen. Catherine Blakespear into law.

SB 403 passed in the state Senate and was forwarded to the governor for his signature. If signed, it would remove the sunset clause and allow the law to remain in effect indefinitely.

California’s End of Life Option Act, in place since 2016, gives mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live the option to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can decide to self-administer to die peacefully in their sleep.

“I have heard from so many people who want the option to use California’s medical-aid-in-dying law if necessary,” said Blakespear, D-Encinitas. “SB 403 continues the End of Life Option Act, so that Californians faced with debilitating terminal illnesses can avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives, if they choose to. This is a deeply personal decision that every individual should have the authority and right to make.”

The law requires a doctor to determine that the person has the capacity to make informed medical decisions and is not being coerced, that they be informed of alternative options, such as palliative care, that they can change their mind at any time, and that the diagnosis and prognosis must be confirmed by a second physician.

The person must directly make two oral requests, at least 48 hours apart, and submit a written request witnessed by two adults.

In 2024, 1,591 people received an aid-in-dying prescription and 1,032 took the medication and died, according to Blakespear. More than 92% were age 60 or older and almost 95% were receiving hospice or palliative care.

Eleven other states have similar laws.

“The looming sunset has worried patients, advocates, medical providers and faith leaders who rely on the law,” Blakespear said.