New York Lawmakers Pass Medical Aid in Dying Bill

ALBANY — The New York State Senate approved a bill on Monday that would allow people facing terminal diagnoses to end their lives on their own terms, which the bill’s proponents say would grant a measure of autonomy to New Yorkers in their final days.

The question now is whether Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign it into law. To date, she’s given no indication whether she supports the measure or not.

Her spokesperson, Avi Small, said late Monday she would “review the legislation.”

Small’s response came after the state Senate voted 35-27 in favor of the Medical Aid In Dying Act, which would allow patients to request a lethal prescription if they have an incurable diagnosis that leaves them with six months or less to live.

The state Assembly approved the measure in late April by a vote of 81-67.

State Assemblymember Amy Paulin, the prime sponsor of the bill in that chamber, said she introduced it in honor of a sister who died of ovarian cancer.

“The lasting memory I have of my sister is shouting in pain,” Paulin said at a press conference.

“She might have chosen this or not — but she would’ve had a choice.” she said.

“This legislation is about easing needless suffering and honoring deeply personal choices,” Paulin continued.

“After more than a decade of advocacy, we are one step closer to giving terminally ill New Yorkers the autonomy and dignity they deserve at life’s end,” she added.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the legislation’s prime sponsor in his chamber, said Monday’s vote reaffirmed New York as being “a beacon of personal autonomy, freedom and compassion.”

But not everyone agrees.

Many religious leaders in the state, including its Roman Catholic bishops, contend that the bill contained inadequate safeguards.

In a lengthy written statement, Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, condemned the senate vote, describing the outcome as a “dark day for New York State.”

“For the first time in its history, New York is on the verge of authorizing doctors to help their patients commit suicide. 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 Gov. Kathy Hochul,” Poust said.

“The governor has said she will review the legislation when it gets to her desk. We expect that when she does so, she will conclude what 27 of her fellow Democrats in the legislature have — that this bill would be catastrophic for medically underserved communities, including communities of color, as well as for people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations who will be at the mercy of a health care industry that will soon be reeling from federal Medicaid cuts,” he said.

“We reject the false notion that suicide is ever a solution. Instead, we call on New York State to expand palliative and hospice care, mental health services and family caregiver support. We look forward to continuing to work with the governor on these priorities following her veto of this disastrous bill,” Poust added.

If Hochul signs the bill, New York will become the 12th state, along with the District of Columbia, that have passed laws permitting medical aid in dying.

The practice is also available in several European countries and in Canada, which recently broadened its criteria to extend the option to people with incurable chronic illnesses and disabilities.

Because it applies only to people who have an incurable and irreversible illness, and have six months or less to live, the New York law would be narrower than those passed in other jurisdictions.

In regard to the “suicide nightmare” Poust referred to, the Public Health Agency of Canada has noted an increase in the nation’s suicide rate in recent years.

In 2022, for instance there were 4,850 suicide deaths in Canada — approximately 13 suicide deaths per day. Compared to 2021, the total number of suicide deaths in 2022 increased by 8.6%.

Studies suggest however that the rise of the suicide rate in Canada is due more to the impact the COVID pandemic had on unemployment than on any change in attitude or policy regarding suicide itself.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue