Tell New York Governor Kathy Hochul to Veto Bill Legalizing Assisted Suicide

The New York State Senate’s passage of the Medical Aid in Dying Act has sparked urgent calls from pro-life advocates for Governor Kathy Hochul to veto the legislation, which would legalize assisted suicide in the state.

Critics warn the bill, approved by a 35-27 vote on June 9, 2025, endangers vulnerable populations and undermines the sanctity of life.

The bill, which passed the New York State Assembly in April by a vote of 81-67, now awaits Hochul’s decision.

If signed into law, New York would become the 11th state to legalize assisted suicide, joining states like California and Oregon. Opponents argue the measure lacks adequate safeguards and could lead to coercion of the elderly, disabled, and mentally ill.

Jessica Rogers, Coalitions Director for the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, expressed deep concern about the bill’s implications. She urged as many calls and emails to Hochul as possible urging her to veto the measure.

“The most extreme in the nation, it doesn’t even have a waiting period or residency requirement, meaning that anyone can go to New York for suicide drugs. It is now up to New York Governor Kathy Hochul to decide if this will become law or not,” Rogers told LifeNews. “Because there is no residency requirements, the dangers of A. 136 impact all of our loved ones.”

“If you live in New York, please consider submitting a letter to the editor to your local paper asking her to veto; She needs to know that New Yorkers REJECT assisted suicide,” Rogers added. “Help us protect all vulnerable patients from the dangers of assisted suicide. Please contact Governor Hochul’s office today.”

Have you contacted her office yet?

All advocates can use this form or reach out to her office via phone at 518.474.8390.

Patients’ Rights Action Fund Executive Director Matt Vallière highlighted some of the reasons we oppose A. 136 in a recent on-air feature on WABC. You can listen here. Highlighting cases in Colorado, Matt states, “…somebody with anorexia or another eating disorder has access to lethal drugs from their doctor. These same doctors that are supposed to be helping these young people to live and to get beyond their mental health disabilities. If Governor Hochul were to sign this bill, that would happen there in New York.”

Other groups are asking Hochul to veto the measure.

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

“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.

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