Legislation to Preserve California’s End of Life Option Act Signed by Governor

Enacted in 2016, California’s medical-aid-in-dying law has worked as intended and will continue to be law thanks to SB 403

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to continue California’s medical-aid-in-dying law and preventing it from expiring in 2031 was signed into law on Friday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

SB 403 eliminates the sunset date for California’s End of Life Option Act, which gives mentally capable, terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to live the option to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can decide to self-administer to die peacefully in their sleep. 

“I thank Gov. Newsom for signing SB 403 and ensuring that California’s medical-aid-in-dying law, which has worked well for nine years, will continue to be the law,” Sen. Blakespear said. “Californians with painful, debilitating terminal illnesses should have the option to avoid pointless suffering and die with dignity, if they wish, without fear of this option expiring.”

Nine years of extensive data collection show the law is working exactly as lawmakers intended and medical aid in dying is being safely practiced in California. 

The End of Life Option Act has many safeguards. These include requiring a doctor to determine that the person has the capacity to make informed medical decisions and is not being coerced. Also, the person must be informed of alternative options, such as palliative care, and can change their mind at any time. 

Furthermore, the diagnosis and prognosis must be confirmed by a second physician. Finally, the person must directly make two oral requests, at least 48 hours apart, and submit a written request witnessed by two adults. 

In 2024, 1,591 people received an aid-in-dying prescription and 1,032 took the medication and died. Over 92 percent were age 60 or older and 94.8 percent were receiving hospice or palliative care. 

Eleven other states have similar laws, and none are slated to sunset, as is the case in California.

The looming sunset has worried patients, advocates, medical providers and faith leaders who rely on the law.  

Sponsored by Compassion and Choices Action Network, SB 403 is supported by 17 different organizations and over 250 individuals. 

In August, Sen. Blakespear held a forum on end-of-life issues with experts. To watch it, go here. 

Blakespear represents Senate District 38, which covers northern San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. To learn more about the district and Sen. Blakespear, visit her Senate website.