California
Overview
California's End of Life Option Act (AB 15) was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on October 5, 2015 and took effect June 9, 2016. It was inspired in part by the highly publicized case of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year-old California resident with terminal brain cancer who moved to Oregon to access its law in 2014.
As the most populous US state, California's law has significantly expanded access to medical aid in dying nationwide. A 2021 amendment (SB 380) shortened the waiting period from 15 days to 48 hours for the two oral requests.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a California resident
- Must be 18 or older
- Must have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less
- Must have decision-making capacity at the time each request is made
- Two oral requests at least 48 hours apart (reduced from 15 days in 2021)
- One written request signed by two witnesses (or one witness plus notary)
- Two physicians confirm diagnosis, prognosis, and capacity
- Final attestation of voluntary intent within 48 hours of self-administration
The Process
- Patient requests aid in dying from their attending physician
- Physician assesses eligibility and consults a second physician
- Patient makes two oral requests (48-hour minimum wait)
- Patient completes written request and final attestation form
- A prescription for the approved medication is issued
- Patient self-administers at a time and place of their choosing
- California Department of Public Health collects annual data
Statistics
- Over 5,000 prescriptions written since 2016
- Approximately 60–70% of prescriptions are used
- Cancer accounts for the majority of cases
- Use has grown significantly each year since enactment
Key Resources
- California Department of Public Health — cdph.ca.gov
- Compassion & Choices California — compassionandchoices.org
- Death with Dignity National Center — deathwithdignity.org
- Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
Legal Contacts
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — End of Life Option Act — Official annual reports, patient and provider forms, and legal guidance for California's EOLOA. cdph.ca.gov (search "End of Life Option Act")
- Compassion & Choices California — The state's most active patient-advocacy group; provides physician referrals, volunteer support, and end-of-life coaching for Californians. compassionandchoices.org
- Death with Dignity National Center — Legislative monitoring and educational resources for California. deathwithdignity.org
Medical Contacts
- California Medical Association (CMA) — Professional body for California physicians; publishes EOLOA compliance guidance and maintains the conscientious-objection registry. cmadocs.org
- Compassion & Choices End-of-Life Consultation Line — Provides free consultations to help Californians find EOLOA-willing physicians in their area. compassionandchoices.org
- American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) — National resource for palliative care and MAID physician education. aahpm.org
Important: Contact details and eligibility requirements change. Always verify information directly with each organisation before taking any action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies under California's End of Life Option Act?
A California resident, 18 or older, with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less, who has decision-making capacity at the time each request is made.
How long does the process take?
Two oral requests at least 48 hours apart (reduced from 15 days by SB 380 in 2021), a written request signed by two witnesses, confirmation by two physicians, and a final attestation within 48 hours of self-administration.
Does the patient self-administer?
Yes. California authorises medical aid in dying, in which the patient self-administers physician-prescribed medication; euthanasia is not permitted.
Who oversees the law?
The California Department of Public Health collects and publishes annual data on prescriptions written and used.