ScienceMay 31, 2026

What Changed in 2026: Medical Aid in Dying and the USA

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

terminal/ˈtɝmənəl/

A serious illness that is expected to cause death in a short time.

"He has a terminal illness and needs comfort care."

doctor/ˈdɑktər/

A medical professional who treats patients.

"She will see her doctor tomorrow."

option/ˈɑpʃən/

A choice someone can make.

"The new law gives patients another option."

Listening

What Changed in 2026: Medical Aid in Dying and the USA

More Americans will soon live where medical aid in dying is legal. Medical aid in dying lets an adult with a terminal illness ask a doctor for medicine to end life peacefully. Only a small number of people actually use this option. Hospices and palliative care help many people. Many people say having the option gives peace of mind.

Delaware's law took effect on January 1, 2026. New York's law will take effect in early August 2026. Illinois's law takes effect on September 12, 2026. Across authorized jurisdictions, 12,425 people have received prescriptions for this option, and less than 1% of adults who die in these places choose it.

109 words

Quiz

1. When did Delaware's law take effect?

2. When will New York's law take effect?

3. When does Illinois's law take effect?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you think having more end-of-life choices affects how people plan for the future?

Have you ever talked with family about what kind of care you want if you are very sick? What happened?

What do you think gives most people peace of mind when they are very ill?