No, euthanasia is illegal in the United States. While euthanasia is prohibited, there is a distinct and legally recognized practice known as physician-assisted death, often referred to as medical aid in dying, which is legal in several U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Understanding the Distinction: Euthanasia vs. Physician-Assisted Death
It's crucial to differentiate between these two concepts:
- Euthanasia: This involves a physician or another third party directly administering a lethal dose of medication to a patient to end their life. In euthanasia, the act that causes death is carried out by someone other than the patient. This practice is unlawful across all U.S. states.
- Physician-Assisted Death (Medical Aid in Dying): In this practice, a physician provides a terminally ill, mentally competent adult with a prescription for medication that the patient self-administers to end their life. The patient retains control over the final act, choosing if and when to take the medication. This is also commonly known as "Death with Dignity."
Where is Physician-Assisted Death Legal in the US?
As of now, physician-assisted death is a legal option in ten U.S. states and Washington, D.C. These laws typically require strict eligibility criteria, including a prognosis of six months or less to live, repeated requests, and multiple physician evaluations to confirm mental competency and voluntary choice.
The states and district where medical aid in dying is legal include:
| Jurisdiction | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| California | Legal (End of Life Option Act) |
| Colorado | Legal (End-of-Life Options Act) |
| Hawaii | Legal (Our Care, Our Choice Act) |
| Maine | Legal (Death with Dignity Act) |
| Montana | Legal (via court ruling) |
| New Jersey | Legal (Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act) |
| New Mexico | Legal (End-of-Life Options Act) |
| Oregon | Legal (Death with Dignity Act) |
| Vermont | Legal (Patient Choice and Control at End of Life Act) |
| Washington | Legal (Death with Dignity Act) |
| Washington, D.C. | Legal (Death with Dignity Act) |
For more detailed information on the specific laws and eligibility requirements in these jurisdictions, you can refer to resources on Medical Aid in Dying Laws.
