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HB 1328

End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gabriel Acevero and 48 co-sponsors

Maryland bill would allow terminally ill adults to request and self-administer life-ending medication under specific medical and procedural safeguards.

Hearing 3/03 at 2:00 p.m. (Health and Government Operations) and Hearing 3/03 at 2:00 p.m. (Judiciary)
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Bill Summary · HB 1328

Legislative bill overview

HB 1328 would establish a medical aid-in-dying program in Maryland, allowing terminally ill adults to request and self-administer prescribed medication to end their lives. The bill is modeled on similar "Death with Dignity" laws already in effect in states like Oregon, California, and Colorado, with specific eligibility requirements and safeguards.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses end-of-life autonomy for individuals facing terminal illness, a deeply personal healthcare decision affecting patients, families, and medical providers. The bill's passage or failure will determine whether Maryland residents have legal access to medical aid-in-dying, a practice that generates significant debate about individual rights, medical ethics, and religious beliefs.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious and moral objections: Opponents argue assisted dying conflicts with sanctity-of-life principles and religious teachings; supporters counter that secular and religious people disagree on this ethical question
  • Safeguard adequacy: Disagreement over whether proposed protections (waiting periods, physician verification, mental health screening) sufficiently prevent abuse or coercion of vulnerable populations
  • Medical profession concerns: Questions about physician participation, conscience protections for doctors who refuse to participate, and whether the practice aligns with Hippocratic principles versus patient autonomy
  • Disability rights concerns: Some advocates worry the option might pressure disabled or economically vulnerable people toward death rather than improved care and support
  • Implementation logistics: Unclear procedures for prescription handling, insurance coverage, and how healthcare systems will operationalize the program

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

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