Death with Dignity Law is Now Permanent in California

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Governor Newsom Signs Amendment to End of Life Option Act, Making Death with Dignity a Permanent Option for Terminally Ill Patients

Portland, Oregon, October 6, 2025 – California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed state support for medical aid in dying today when he signed Senate Bill 403, removing the sunset provision from the California End of Life Option Act.

When passed in 2015, the original law would have required the medical aid-in-dying statute to expire in 2031. This legislation removes that sunset provision and ensures the law will remain in place.

State Senator Catherine Blakespear championed the bill through the legislature, which faced little more than token opposition.

“I have heard from so many people who want the option to use California’s medical-aid-in-dying law if necessary,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 403 continues the End of Life Option Act, so that Californians faced with debilitating terminal illnesses can avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives, if they choose to. This is a deeply personal decision that every individual should have the authority and right to make.”

Dr. Peg Sandeen, CEO of Death with Dignity, said sunset clauses are added to provide a specific time for the Legislature to review the law and ensure it is working properly.

“In California, as well as the other jurisdictions where medical aid in dying is legal, the process continues to work as intended, providing dying patients in the final days of their lives the right to die peacefully, ensuring that only terminally ill patients are allowed to use the law,” said Sandeen. “The record is clear, in California and the rest of the U.S.—this is a law that provides great relief and comfort at the end of life to patients and their families.”

Death with Dignity advocates have had an unprecedented year of success. Delaware and New York both passed medical aid in dying legislation, and Massachusetts still has a bill pending before its Legislature.

“In this time of political turmoil, there are very few issues where all sides can come together. With 70% support across the country, among Republicans and Democrats, old and young, and even across religious lines, it’s clear the majority of Americans continue to fight for personal freedom at the end of life,” said Sandeen.

For media inquiries, please contact Elia Lawatsch: press@deathwithdignity.org.