New York State Will Make History By Passing Medical Aid in Dying

NEW YORK - State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D, WFP-Manhattan) joined advocates in Albany today to celebrate the State Senate passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.138/A.136) later today, the first time this has happened since the legislation was first introduced in 2016.

Medical aid in dying allows terminally ill adults – those with irreversible and incurable illnesses or diseases – with a prognosis of six months or less to live, who have been found by two doctors to be mentally capable to make an informed decision to obtain a prescription that would put them to sleep and peacefully end their lives.

Senator Hoylman-Sigal has been joined by a majority of his colleagues in supporting the legislation, which includes strict eligibility criteria and other safeguards. Currently medical aid in dying is authorized in 11 states – including New Jersey, Delaware, Vermont – and Washington D.C. The bill passed the New York State Assembly earlier this legislative session, also for the first time.

The Medical Aid in Dying Act has been endorsed by the Medical Society of the State of New York, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, the New York State Psychiatric Association (NYSPA), the New York State Nurses Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, as well as numerous other medical, legal and civic organizations.

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Senate Sponsor of Medical Aid in Dying, said: “Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Assemblymember Paulin and Speaker Heastie, New York has made history by passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act through both houses of the State Legislature. It’s been a long road but thanks to the dedicated activists from groups like Compassion & Choices and Death with Dignity we have built the broadest coalition ever assembled of doctors, nurses, patients and legal advocates from across New York to support this bill. MAID is a proven strategy to expand end-of-life options and reduce human suffering for patients with a terminal illness that is already in effect in eleven states and the District of Columbia, in addition to being supported by nearly 70% of New Yorkers. I am looking forward to the Governor signing this bill into law so that New York can become the 12th state to finally give New Yorkers access to this compassionate and dignified end of life care option.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Assembly Sponsor of Medical Aid in Dying, said: “I’m overjoyed that the Senate is now joining the Assembly in passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act — a truly historic and compassionate step forward for New York. After more than a decade of advocacy, we are finally on the brink of giving terminally ill New Yorkers the autonomy and dignity they deserve at life’s end. This legislation is about easing needless suffering and honoring deeply personal choices. I’m proud to be making history alongside Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, whose leadership and partnership have been extraordinary.”

Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said: “Passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act affirms New Yorkers’ right to make deeply personal end-of-life decisions. This legislation offers terminally ill individuals the autonomy to choose a peaceful and dignified passing, surrounded by loved ones. It’s about honoring choice, alleviating suffering, and treating people with the compassion they deserve. I’m proud to see that we have the support to get this landmark piece of legislation done.” 

Senator Samra G. Brouk said: “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Mental Health, I understand the enormous weight that the end of one’s life can put on a person and their family. The Medical Aid in Dying Act will allow adults who are suffering from a terminal illness to have the option to die with dignity once they have determined with their physicians that they want to be at peace, and to be the ones to have the final say over their passing. Life should be treated with the utmost respect, and we must be compassionate towards those with incurable illnesses or diseases to minimize their pain.”

Corinne Carey, Compassion & Choices’ senior campaign director for New York/New Jersey, said: “I am profoundly grateful to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for giving her conference the space to have this important and emotional discussion. Deep thanks as well to Senators Hoylman-Sigal and Scarcella-Spanton. Majorities in both houses are leading with love. They are providing terminally ill New Yorkers with the autonomy they deserve over their own end-of-life experiences. And they are providing comfort, allowing those who are dying to live their time more fully and peacefully until the end. We look forward to Governor Hochul signing the legislation to make New York the 12th state and 13th jurisdiction in the US to authorize medical aid in dying.”

Dr. Peg Sandeen, CEO of Death with Dignity, said: “When I testified before this legislature in 2018, we knew the path would be long and winding and full of roadblocks. Nevertheless we persisted. The voices of the terminally ill patients who are no longer with us echo in these hallways with relief as they know future New Yorkers will not be forced to die without the right to control their own end of life decisions."