New York’s State Senate has passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, clearing a legislative path long sought by terminally ill residents, advocates, and families seeking greater autonomy in end-of-life care.
The bill, already approved by the Assembly in April, will now head to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk. If signed, New York would become the 12th state—and the 13th jurisdiction nationally—to authorize medical aid in dying.
Corinne Carey, senior campaign director for Compassion & Choices in New York and New Jersey, called the passage “a victory for autonomy, compassion, and dignity,” thanking Senators Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for their leadership. “New York lawmakers are leading with love,” she said.
The legislation allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults with six months or less to live to request a prescription for life-ending medication. According to Compassion & Choices, over one-third of patients who receive such prescriptions never use them, but gain peace of mind from the option.
Personal stories of suffering and advocacy underscored the push for change. Dr. Jeremy Boal, diagnosed with ALS, said the ability to access medical aid in dying “has freed me from fear of the future.” Iris Dudman, a 75-year-old brain cancer patient, added, “I want the option to avoid the pain and suffering that is likely to come.”
Supporters emphasized the bill is about offering choice, not hastening death. “This is about autonomy,” said Jules Netherland, a Bronx resident with Stage 4 cancer. “When my time comes, I want the option for a peaceful and beautiful death.”
Senator Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s Senate sponsor, celebrated the passage as a result of the broadest coalition ever assembled for such legislation in the state. “MAID is a proven strategy to expand end-of-life options and reduce human suffering,” he said.
Assembly sponsor Amy Paulin praised the moment as the result of 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,” she said.
With support from medical, legal, and civic organizations—including the Medical Society of the State of New York, the State Bar Association, and the League of Women Voters—advocates now urge Governor Hochul to act.
As Stacey Gibson, whose husband died after a long neurological illness, put it: “I hope beyond hope that Governor Hochul will sign the bill into law.”
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