North Carolina Lawmakers Consider Study of Medical Aid in dying
RALEIGH, N.C. - A bill introduced in the North Carolina legislature on March 17, 2025, could pave the way for a comprehensive review of medical aid in dying within the state. House Bill 410 directs the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIM) too study the potential legalization of the practice, a move sparking debate about end-of-life choices and patient autonomy.
medical aid in dying, often used interchangeably with terms like physician-assisted suicide, involves a terminally ill, mentally competent adult requesting and receiving a prescription from a physician to end their life. It differs from euthanasia, where a physician directly administers the life-ending medication. Currently, medical aid in dying is not legal in north Carolina. If passed, HB 410 would require the NCIM to deliver its findings and any recommendations regarding legalization to the legislature by April 1, 2027.The bill passed its first reading on March 18, 2025.
Where is Medical Aid in Dying Legal?
As of November 19, 2025, ten states and Washington, D.C., authorize medical aid in dying for eligible patients, according to Compassion and Choices:
* California (2015)
* Colorado (2016)
* Delaware (2025)
* Hawaii (2019)
* Maine (2019)
* Montana (2009)
* New Jersey (2019)
* New Mexico (2021)
* Oregon (1994)
* Vermont (2013)
* Washington, D.C. (2017)
* Washington (2009)
beyond the U.S., medical aid in dying is available in Australia and New Zealand. Eight European countries also permit assisted dying for those experiencing unbearable suffering, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, as well as Switzerland, according to dignityindying.org.uk.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time, day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message by dialing 741741.
