The Maryland State Home on Could 11, 2023, in Annapolis, MD.

Brian Witte/AP/AP Photograph/Brian Witte

Maryland and Medical Aid in Dying: What Went Wrong in 2024?

In early 2024, Maryland was on the brink of making history by legalizing medical aid in dying—a compassionate choice for terminally ill patients who wish to end their lives peacefully and on their own terms. The momentum was strong, with advocates hopeful that this would be the year the End-of-Life Option Act would pass. But despite growing support from the public, healthcare professionals, and lawmakers, the legislation failed to become law. What exactly happened, and what does the future look like for medical aid in dying in Maryland?

Understanding Medical Aid in Dying

Medical aid in dying allows mentally capable, terminally ill adults to request and receive a prescription for medication that they can self-ingest to end their lives peacefully, should they choose to do so. It is not euthanasia or assisted suicide—terms often misunderstood or misused. The key difference is that the patient must make the request voluntarily and be in control of the process.

This option exists in several U.S. states, including Oregon, California, and Colorado, where it has been practiced with strict regulations and oversight. Supporters argue that this end-of-life option gives patients dignity, autonomy, and a way to avoid needless suffering.

A Bill With Momentum

Maryland’s 2024 legislative session began with high hopes. Lawmakers reintroduced the End-of-Life Option Act, which had been proposed in previous years but had failed to pass. In 2023, the bill had come closer than ever before, and the growing national trend toward recognizing the right to die gave many Maryland residents renewed optimism.

Advocacy groups launched public awareness campaigns, bringing forward stories of patients who had endured prolonged suffering. Doctors and nurses testified about the importance of giving patients a choice. Public polls indicated that a significant majority of Marylanders supported the bill.

The stars seemed aligned.

The Unexpected Setback

Despite the public support and emotional testimonies, the bill stalled once again in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The House of Delegates passed it, but the Senate remained divided. Key votes were either undecided or opposed, and the committee did not advance the bill to the full Senate floor for a vote.

Several lawmakers expressed concern about ethical implications, the potential for abuse, and whether adequate safeguards were in place. Religious groups and disability rights advocates voiced strong opposition, arguing that such laws could pressure vulnerable individuals into ending their lives prematurely.

Even with medical aid in dying being legal in ten other states, these concerns were enough to stop the bill’s progress in Maryland—at least for now.

Why This Matters

At the heart of the debate lies a deeply personal and moral question: Should individuals who are terminally ill have the legal right to choose how and when they die?

Supporters argue that denying this option forces patients to endure unnecessary physical and emotional pain. Some are forced to seek solutions out of state, which often involves financial hardship and emotional stress for families. Others resort to less humane methods, leading to trauma and suffering that could have been avoided.

On the other hand, opponents worry that legalizing medical aid in dying might send a message that some lives are less valuable than others. They also raise concerns about whether healthcare systems might push this option for economic reasons rather than patient well-being.

Stories That Moved the Public

One of the most compelling aspects of the campaign in Maryland was the testimony from individuals living with terminal illnesses. For example, terminal cancer patients like Richard Morrison shared how the inability to access medical aid in dying left them feeling powerless. Their families, too, expressed frustration with a system that could prolong suffering rather than ease it.

These human stories often carry more weight than legal arguments. They remind lawmakers and citizens alike that behind every bill, there are real people—parents, partners, and friends—facing unimaginable pain.

Lessons Learned and What’s Next

Although the 2024 bill did not pass, it reignited a powerful conversation in Maryland. Advocates have already pledged to reintroduce the legislation in the next session. This delay may also give lawmakers time to address the concerns raised, strengthen safeguards, and build broader consensus.

Moving forward, the strategy will likely include:

• Public Education: Continuing to correct misconceptions about what medical aid in dying really is—and what it isn’t.

• Bipartisan Support: Finding common ground among legislators of different political ideologies.

• Healthcare Engagement: Involving more physicians, palliative care experts, and nurses in public dialogue.

• Personal Stories: Elevating voices of those directly impacted by terminal illness.

The National Context

Maryland’s journey is part of a larger national shift. More than 70 million Americans now live in states where medical aid in dying is legal. And the trend is expanding.

According to the nonprofit organization Compassion & Choices, over 75% of Americans support medical aid in dying laws, regardless of political affiliation. As life expectancy increases and medical technologies advance, the need for compassionate end-of-life choices becomes ever more important.

States like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania are also actively considering similar bills. Maryland’s struggle, then, is not unique—but it is symbolic of the broader movement for death with dignity.

Final Thoughts

The failure to legalize medical aid in dying in Maryland in 2024 was a disappointment to many, especially those who may not live to see the law change. But the conversation is far from over. The growing support, public education efforts, and personal testimonies are building momentum that will likely shape future legislative efforts.

In the meantime, the debate invites all of us to consider a fundamental human right: the right to choose peace, dignity, and autonomy in our final days.