New York Senate passes Medical Aid in Dying Act, awaits Governor’s decision
A bill known as the “Medical Aid in Dying Act” has officially passed in the New York Senate. The legislation, if signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, would allow for medically assisted suicide for individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live.
Key facts of the bill:
Allows terminally ill adults (with six months or less to live) to request medication to end their life, if they are mentally capable and acting voluntarily.
Requires two doctors (an attending and a consulting physician) to confirm the diagnosis, capacity, and voluntariness before prescribing the medication.
Patients must make two requests — one oral and one written — with the written request signed in front of two adult witnesses.
A mental health evaluation is required if there is any doubt about the patient’s decision-making ability.
Only the patient can self-administer the medication; no one else may administer it under any circumstance.
Doctors and healthcare providers are protected from legal consequences if they act in good faith and follow the law.
Participation is voluntary for both doctors and institutions; no one is required to take part if it goes against their beliefs.
Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton commented on the bill:
“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.”
Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, said the bill’s passage marked “a dark day for New York State.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, echoed that sentiment, calling the bill a “disaster waiting to happen.”
Critics worry that this bill is a slippery slope, and that passing legislation that allows for medically assisted suicide will eventually lead to less restrictive laws on the matter.
