New Jersey has legalized assisted suicide, enacting a law that will take effect Aug. 1.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation Friday that he says will allow terminally ill New Jersey adults to end their lives peacefully, with dignity, and at their own discretion. The bill, which was sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Senator Nick Scutari, makes New Jersey the eighth state to allow such end-of-life decisions with the assistance of medical professionals.

"Allowing residents with terminal illnesses to make end-of-life choices for themselves is the right thing to do," said Murphy. "By signing this bill today, we are providing terminally ill patients and their families with the humanity, dignity, and respect that they so richly deserve at the most difficult times any of us will face." The "Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act" permits terminally ill, adult patients residing in New Jersey to obtain and self-administer medication to end their lives peacefully and humanely, Murphy said.

A patient's attending and consulting physicians must determine that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less, has the capacity to make health care decisions, and is acting voluntarily, in order for the patient to obtain the medication, according to the Murphy administration. Last month, the Assembly passed the bill by a 41-33 vote, while the Senate voted 21-16 in favor.



The bill contains a number of safeguards and procedures that lawmakers say would "ensure the integrity and safety of the process," including:

