Advocates and supporters of the Medical Aid in Dying Act are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to publicly champion the bill, urging her to prioritize bodily autonomy for terminally ill New Yorkers. The legislation, recently reintroduced as A.136/S.138 by Assemblymember Amy Paulin and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has already gained nearly 80 legislative sponsors.
The proposed law would allow mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request medication from their physician to end their lives peacefully. Similar laws exist in ten states, including neighboring New Jersey and Vermont, as well as Washington, D.C.
Corinne Carey, senior campaign director for Compassion & Choices in New York/New Jersey, emphasized the importance of Governor Hochul’s support, noting her past leadership on issues of bodily autonomy. “Their stories are compelling, both for those who are dealing with diagnoses of cancer or ALS, and for those who have witnessed the peaceful death of a loved one in one of the 10 states where medical aid in dying is legal,” Carey said.
Supporters of the bill include medical professionals, patients, and family members of those who have used medical aid in dying laws in other states. Dr. Jeremy Boal, former Chief Clinical Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, who was diagnosed with ALS, stated, “If this law is passed, not one more person will die as a result of its passage. But many fewer will suffer.”
Advocates argue that the legislation offers terminally ill patients peace of mind and control over their final days. Jules Netherland, a Bronx resident diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, urged the governor to act. “My New Year’s wish is that you, Governor Hochul, provide the leadership needed to get the medical aid in dying bill over the finish line in 2025,” Netherland said.
The push for medical aid in dying enjoys broad public support in New York. A recent YouGov poll showed that 72% of New Yorkers favor the bill, including majorities across political, racial, and geographic lines.
Assemblymember Paulin and Senator Hoylman-Sigal’s leadership in reintroducing the bill has drawn praise from advocacy groups and constituents alike. The bill currently has 55 Assembly sponsors and 24 Senate sponsors, signaling significant momentum in the legislature.
Advocates, including healthcare professionals and individuals facing terminal diagnoses, continue to highlight the emotional and practical benefits of medical aid in dying laws. Nancy Murphy, whose sister utilized Vermont’s medical aid in dying law, described it as “a blessing for her and for all of us.”
Supporters argue that passing the Medical Aid in Dying Act would honor patients’ rights to autonomy, reduce prolonged suffering, and provide comfort to families facing end-of-life situations. With growing public and legislative support, advocates remain hopeful that 2025 will be the year New York joins other states in granting this option to its residents.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].