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Bill

HB 140

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO END OF LIFE OPTIONS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Mara Gorman and 15 co-sponsors

Delaware signed HB 140 to amend end-of-life medical options, expanding patient choices while defeating two amendments seeking to further modify the law's scope.

Signed by Governor
0
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Bill Summary · HB 140

Legislative bill overview

HB 140 amends Delaware's end-of-life laws, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the provided information. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators and became law after the Governor's signature on May 20, 2025. Two proposed amendments were defeated during the Senate deliberation process.

Why this is important

End-of-life legislation directly affects healthcare decisions, patient autonomy, and medical practice standards. Changes to Title 16 of Delaware Code could impact how physicians, patients, and families navigate terminal illness, palliative care, and related medical decisions. This represents a significant policy shift in how the state addresses a deeply personal aspect of healthcare.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of end-of-life options: The defeated amendments suggest disagreement over whether the bill goes far enough or too far in expanding available options, with legislators divided 5-13 and 5-14 on two separate proposals
  • Medical professional involvement and liability: End-of-life legislation typically involves questions about physician participation, liability protections, and professional obligations
  • Religious and moral considerations: Such bills often face opposition based on ethical and religious grounds regarding the sanctity of life

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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