Medical aid in dying is a legally authorized end-of-life choice that most Americans support. For people facing a terminal diagnosis, it can offer reassurance and a sense of control during an intensely difficult period. Although only a relatively small percentage of eligible patients ultimately use the medication, the availability of the option is deeply meaningful. For many, it represents a defining measure of patient-centered care, a healthcare system that honors individual values, priorities, and autonomy as life draws to a close.

Research and real-world experience from states where it is authorized show that medical aid in dying includes strong safeguards and protects patients. It provides eligible individuals with compassion and self-determination at the end of life, can lead to improvements in overall end-of-life care, and has minimal financial impact on states that implement it.

Medical aid in dying is an established medical practice available to terminally ill, mentally capable adults who have a prognosis of six months or less to live. Under these laws, a qualified patient may request a prescription from their physician for medication that they may choose to self-administer, allowing them to die peacefully, typically in their sleep.

The practice is sometimes inaccurately labeled as “assisted suicide,” “physician-assisted suicide,” “death with dignity,” or “euthanasia.” These terms can be misleading. Medical aid in dying is distinct from suicide and from euthanasia, both legally and medically, and is governed by specific eligibility requirements and safeguards.

To qualify for medical aid-in-dying medication, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live

• Be mentally capable of making their own healthcare decisions

• Be able to self-administer (self-ingest) the prescribed medication

Public support for medical aid in dying remains strong. According to a 2020 Gallup poll, 74% of Americans support making this option available to terminally ill patients. Support spans political, religious, and demographic groups.