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Bill

S 710

Waives 15 day waiting period for medical aid in dying under certain circumstances.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by John Burzichelli

New Jersey bill expedites physician-assisted death by waiving the 15-day waiting period for eligible terminal patients, balancing patient autonomy against deliberative safeguards.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · S 710

Legislative bill overview

S 710 would eliminate the mandatory 15-day waiting period between a patient's initial request and the administration of medical aid in dying (physician-assisted death) under specified circumstances in New Jersey. The bill allows expedited access to this end-of-life option for qualifying patients who meet certain criteria, potentially including those with rapidly progressing terminal illnesses.

Why is this important

New Jersey's existing medical aid in dying law includes a 15-day waiting period as a safeguard to ensure patient deliberation and prevent impulsive decisions. Waiving this period could significantly accelerate access for patients with rapidly declining conditions but also reduces a deliberative checkpoint. This directly affects end-of-life autonomy, medical ethics practices, and how states balance patient choice against procedural safeguards.

Potential points of contention

  • Adequacy of safeguards: Removing the waiting period may decrease time for patients to reconsider, consult family/ethics boards, or receive palliative care alternatives
  • Definition of qualifying circumstances: The bill's specific criteria for waiver eligibility are unclear and could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, affecting access equity
  • Medical judgment vs. patient autonomy: Tension between physician discretion in determining "certain circumstances" and patient self-determination rights

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

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