Many people have strong beliefs about whether a person should have the right to die when they choose—to end a person’s own perceived pain and suffering, especially when they are terminally ill. These beliefs are often rooted in religion, morals, ethics, law (government-made and natural), and spirituality. Depending on a person’s beliefs or point of view, the issue and related laws may also be referred to as death with dignity, assisted suicide, aid in dying, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, end of life options, and patient choice and control at the end of life.

Currently eight states and the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) have laws (statutes) that permit persons to choose when to end their lives under certain circumstances. These states include (1) California, (2) Colorado, (3) Hawaii, (4) Maine, (5) New Jersey, (6) Oregon, (7) Vermont, and (8) Washington. And although the state of Montana does not have such a statute its supreme court has ruled that nothing in the state’s law prohibits a physician from honoring a terminally ill but mentally competent patient’s request to prescribe medication to expedite the patient’s death. In states without such laws a physician or other person’s act of assisting a person with suicide is generally subject to criminal prosecution for murder or other criminal charges.

In New Jersey, the Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, which took effect on August 1, 2019, allows terminally ill patients to end their lives in a dignified and humane manner. Under this law, adult residents of New Jersey who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a prognosis of six months or less to live may request and self-administer medication to hasten their death. The process requires the patient to make two oral requests and one written request to their attending physician, with waiting periods and witness requirements to ensure voluntariness and capacity. The attending physician must also offer the patient an opportunity to rescind the request. This law reflects the state's recognition of the right to die with dignity for those suffering from terminal illnesses, while also providing safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure that the decision is informed and voluntary. It is important for individuals considering this option to consult with an attorney to understand the legal requirements and implications fully.