New York State Senate Passes Dangerous Assisted Suicide Bill

The New York State Senate passed a controversial bill Monday night that would legalize assisted suicide, a move critics warn could endanger vulnerable populations.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act, approved by a vote of 35-27, now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul, who will consider signing it into law.

Jessica Rogers, Coalitons Director for the patients Rights Action Fund, described what happened to LifeNews:

With a heavy heart I must inform you that the New York State Senate voted last night to pass a dangerous and discriminatory bill to legalize assisted suicide. After a decade of attempting to pass assisted suicide, proponents snuck through an Assembly vote in April. The State Senate left the bill until this, the last week of session, beginning debate while their dinner was brought in.

As is standard, assisted suicide had bi-partisan opposition, but with a vote of 35-27 the bill was passed. We now call on Governor Hochul to soundly reject this dangerous legislation and veto the bill when it is sent to her desk. Will you help us in these efforts? We will be working in the coming days to mobilize opposition and direct them to her doors so she can learn about why assisted suicide is so dangerous, too dangerous, for New York.

It is my tremendous honor to stand in the gap with you all and do this important work. Our fight is not over in New York or in any of the other states that have introduced and will continue to introduce this terrible legislation. Governor Hochul has not stated a position on this bill, and we have the opportunity, together, to educate her and encourage a veto. The advocates in New York have fought tirelessly for a decade and I am so proud of everything they have accomplished. Last night was a devastating blow, but today, we get back to the work. And tomorrow, the work will continue.  We don’t give up; there is too much at stake.  Thank you for your continued advocacy!

ACTION ALERT: Tell Governor Kathy Hochul to veto the dangerous assisted suicide bill.

Othr groups are asking Hochul to veto the measure.

“We are deeply disappointed that the senate passed MAID, and urge Governor Hochul to reject legalizing assisted suicide by refusing to sign the bill into law,” states Cecelia Lester, President of Feminists Choosing Life of New York (FCLNY), a statewide human rights organization that promotes non-violence and the consistent life ethic.

“In 2024, Governor Hochul ensured millions of dollars for suicide prevention efforts in NY,” says Michele Sterlace-Accorsi, FCLNY’s executive director; “On behalf of our brothers and sisters at risk of suicide, we’re asking Governor Hochul to please stand strong, and stay true to her word to keep fighting to end the violence of suicide, by vetoing MAID.”

Bill opponents, including pro-life advocates and disability rights groups, argue the bill poses significant risks. The New York State Catholic Conference and groups like Not Dead Yet have labeled it a “dangerous” step toward devaluing life, particularly for the disabled, elderly, and those with mental health challenges. Critics point to Canada’s assisted dying laws, where reports suggest loosened criteria have led to cases involving non-terminally ill individuals, as a cautionary tale.

Legalizing assisted suicide sends a chilling message that some lives are less worth living, they say and cite concerns that healthcare systems, already strained, might subtly pressure vulnerable patients into choosing death over costly care.

Dr. Eve Slater, a Columbia University professor, has argued that the bill violates the Hippocratic oath’s principle of “do no harm,” warning of a “slippery slope” toward broader misuse.

If passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York would become the 11th state to legalize assisted suicide, joining states like California and New Jersey.

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