The New York State Legislature completed passage of legislation Monday that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain life-ending medications from physicians, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to end-of-life care.
The State Senate approved S138, known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, by a vote of 35-27.
The measure received no Republican support, with six Democrats crossing party lines to oppose the legislation.
The bill now awaits action from Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, who has not indicated whether she will sign the controversial measure into law.
Her office stated it will review the legislation.
If enacted, New York would become the 12th state, along with the District of Columbia, to permit physician-assisted death for qualifying patients.
The legislation allows individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses and given six months or less to live to request medications that would accelerate their death.
Two separate physicians must confirm the patient’s prognosis before the request can proceed.
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the Democratic sponsor of the bill, defended the measure.
“It’s not about hastening death, but ending suffering,” he stated, according to ABC News reporting.
The State Assembly previously approved the legislation in April with an 81-67 vote, also without any Republican support.
Under the bill’s provisions, patients must meet strict eligibility requirements before receiving life-ending medications.
Two witnesses must sign the patient’s request to verify the individual possesses decision-making capacity and acts voluntarily without coercion.
Republican opposition to the measure remained strong throughout the legislative process.
The New York Times reported that State Sen. Rob Ortt questioned the legislature’s priorities during a Monday news conference, asking, “Assisted suicide? That’s the priority, with all the issues facing New Yorkers?”
The New York State Catholic Conference issued a sharp rebuke following the Senate vote, calling it “a dark day for New York State.”
The organization stated that for the first time in state history, New York stands “on the verge of authorizing doctors to help their patients commit suicide.”
The Catholic Conference rejected what it termed “the false notion that suicide is ever a solution” and called for expanded palliative care, hospice services, mental health programs, and family caregiver support instead.
Critics expressed concerns that New York could follow a path similar to Canada, which maintains some of the world’s most expansive medical assistance in dying laws.
Statistics show that 4.7% of all deaths in Canada during 2023 involved physician assistance.
Despite opposition from religious groups, several major medical organizations have endorsed the legislation.
The Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State Psychiatric Association and New York State Nurses Association all support the measure.
The Catholic Conference warned that passage represents only the beginning of expanded assisted death policies.
The organization stated, “Make no mistake – this is only the beginning, and the only person standing between New York and the assisted suicide nightmare unfolding in Canada is Governor Hochul.”
Governor Hochul faces pressure from both supporters and opponents as she considers whether to sign the bill into law.
The legislation represents one of the most significant social policy changes to reach her desk during her tenure.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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