FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 20, 2024
Contact: Alexis Wrease (302) 319 -3307
In response to Governor Carney’s decision to veto House Bill 140, Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, and Senate Majority Whip Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman issued a joint statement:
We are deeply disappointed with Governor Carney’s decision to veto House Bill 140, legislation that would give informed adults experiencing the final stages of a terminal illness the option to seek medical assistance that would end their pain and suffering in a humane, dignified, and regulated manner.
This bill addresses the complex needs of Delawareans during what is often the most challenging and delicate time in their lives. HB 140 was crafted diligently by our retiring colleague Rep. Paul Baumbach, who spent nearly a decade thoughtfully working with advocates and experts to develop strong safeguards and protections around this life-and-death matter. The final legislation that passed both chambers restricts eligibility to a narrow population of Delawareans who would otherwise suffer needlessly without the compassionate relief that this bill provides. We applaud Rep. Baumbach’s dedication to ensuring his legislation would bring comfort to Delaware families during their most trying times.
We contrast Rep. Baumbach’s admirable, comprehensive approach with Governor Carney’s veto statement, in which the Governor expressed his personal misgivings while selectively quoting just one side of the debate within the American Medical Association community. The AMA had established multiple sub-groups to discuss and debate the increasingly popular framework of end-of-life options and yet Governor Carney selectively quoted the only AMA sub-group that opposed this framework. Medical practitioners increasingly support this legislation, as the Senate heard very clearly from the Delaware Nurses Association and Delaware hospice providers, as well as the group within the AMA that Governor Carney chose to disregard entirely.
While we are frustrated with Governor Carney’s decision to veto House Bill 140 and paint an incomplete picture of such a profound issue, we know our feelings on the matter in no way match the disappointment and pain of the terminally ill patients and their families who hoped to have greater autonomy over their final health care decisions with this legislation.
Whether via a veto override in 2024 or via new legislation in 2025, there will come a day soon when this legislation becomes law, and Delawareans are afforded the respect and support they deserve in their final stages of life. We are hopeful that the next Governor will embrace a renewed commitment of collaboration and partnership between Delaware’s executive and legislative branch and the broader community of stakeholders, so together we can do more to help Delawareans and respect their individual choices and liberties in all phases of their lives.
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